Former Deputy Governorship Candidate Dumps Obi, LP, Leads Massive Supporters to APC

In a significant political shift in Ondo State, former Labour Party (LP) deputy governorship candidate Hon Dayo Awude has defected from the party, abandoning his former support for Peter Obi. Awude led a large group of supporters to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Awude, who contested the November 16, 2023, gubernatorial election on the LP ticket, was welcomed into the APC fold alongside members of the Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN) from all 18 local government areas of Ondo State. The reception was hosted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure on Monday.

Before his stint with the LP, Awude was a notable member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He joined the APC alongside Dele Ogunbamerun, former chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo.

At the defection event held at Akure Town Hall, Awude cited the development efforts of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as key reasons for his decision to join the APC. He pledged to work toward ensuring a strong victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, particularly by mobilizing grassroots support around Akure.

“The current President Tinubu is our son in the Southwest. We must unite under this party to ensure his victory in 2027. Yoruba land deserves progress, and we are here to contribute to that,” Awude stated. He urged his supporters to return to their wards and units to strengthen APC’s grassroots presence.

Dele Ogunbamerun also expressed enthusiasm about the defection, viewing it as a chance to serve the state and support President Tinubu’s re-election bid. He thanked Awude for leading the group into the APC.

Ade Adetimehin, the state APC chairman, welcomed the new members and praised Awude’s political influence, especially at the local level. He called on all defectors to actively engage in strengthening the party at the grassroots to secure success in upcoming elections.

Governor Aiyedatiwa warmly received the defectors and affirmed that joining the APC was the right move. He emphasized the need for united efforts to retain power at both federal and state levels, pointing to ongoing governance achievements as proof of the party’s effectiveness.

“You have made the right choice by joining APC. We want to retain power, and your support will be rewarded. The dividends of good governance under President Tinubu and my administration are visible,” the governor said.

He assured the defectors that Ondo State is firmly committed to supporting Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign and that the APC would continue to welcome those willing to work for progress..