The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has suffered great loss in the past seven days, as no fewer than 10,000 of its members defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement, the director, Media and Publicity of Tofowomo Campaign Organisation, Akinrinlola Olumide, revealed that 5,000 APC members joined the PDP yesterday to re-unite the 5,000 that defected from the ruling party last week.
The defecting members destroyed every evidence of their membership such as cards and flags, The Guardian learnt.
His words: “Recall that about 5,000 members of the party (APC) defected to PDP in Akure South Council of Ondo State last weekend. The defectors from Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese Odo councils of Ondo South, who were loyal to Chief Olusola Oke, a chieftain of the APC, were led by Mr. Akinrinwa Oriola.”
They alleged marginalisation, leadership failure and insensitivity to their plights by the leadership of APC in Ondo as reason for their defection.
Poor performance, excruciating poverty in the country, lack of internal democracy and deteriorating economy are some other reasons they adduced for joining the PDP.
They promised to mobilise support for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and all PDP candidates in Ondo South.
While receiving the defectors, national vice chairman (south west) of the PDP, Chief Eddy Olafeso, described the defection of APC members as exodus from bondage to freedom.
Ondo chairman of PDP, Clement Faboyede, promised the defectors equal rights with the old members of PDP, encouraging them to exercise equal rights as competent members of the party.
