The All Progressives Congress (APC) has consolidated its political foothold in Ondo State following the defection of prominent members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s statewide “Thank-You” tour, which concluded in Akure South Local Government Area.
Those who defected included Adekanmbi Oluwatuyi of PDP from Akure, Chief Falusi of PDP from Akoko North-East, and Chief Kora Adebisi of SDP from Akoko North-West. Others who joined the APC included Hon. Yusuf Lateef, former local government officials, councillors, supervisors, advisers, as well as Ijanusi Olawale and his supporters from Akoko South-East.
This was contained in a statement signed by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Tuesday.
It reads: the statement reads:
“Receiving the defectors, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed them into the party and urged them to work for the success of the APC in 2027.
The Governor also cautioned party members against internal rancour as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He warned that infighting would weaken the party, stressing that party supremacy would determine those who would fly the APC’s flags in future elections, noting that the party remained one and indivisible.
Governor Aiyedatiwa further called on the people of the state to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, describing the President as irreplaceable.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to residents of Akure South for their continued loyalty to the APC, noting that the local government delivered the highest number of votes among the 18 local government areas in the November 16 governorship election.
He described the mandate given to him and his deputy as decisive to the party’s victory.
Earlier, the state APC Vice Chairman, Atili Ikoto Agabra, emphasised that the party had no room for “joiners or partners,” adding that relevance within the APC would be determined strictly by members’ active contributions and commitment.
He urged new members to demonstrate loyalty through consistent participation in party activities.
In his Vote of Thanks, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, commended the Governor for his infrastructural efforts in Akure, describing the developments as unprecedented. Similarly, the Akure South Local Government Chairman, Mr. Fesobi Akinmolayan, lauded the ongoing roadworks and other projects in the local government area.
The event drew the attendance of Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Hon. Sunday Olajide, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry Engr Leye Akinola, NDDC Executive Director Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Akure South Local Government Chairman Dr. Donald Fasua, and other party leaders.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s tour of all 18 local government areas has reinforced the APC’s grassroots appeal and positioned the party for a stronger showing in the 2026 governorship election in Ondo State.