***Decampees say APC-led administration is a plague
By Aare Abiodun Oluwarotimi, Reporting for Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The desire of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to win the scheduled gubernatorial election in Ondo state, recently received a big boost when members of the ruling, All People’s Congress (APC) in Okitipupa and Irele,defected to the PDP in their thousands.
Apostle Ogungbemi and Mr Oroagba from Idepe, led the APC decampees in Okitipupa and Irele council areas.
Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Ogungbemi said they decided to join force with the new and promising political order in the state, as it has become unfashionable to belong to the APC because of its uninspiring service delivery record. Ogungbemi said only enemies of the state will wish the APC remain in power.
According to him, the APC has “become like a plague being avoided by the people.
“The party has brought shame upon members as what is being experienced in the state today, is far from the promises given to the people.
” Today, one can not publicly identify with the APC without being ridiculed, because of the pain and torture the government is inflicting on the people as a result of it’s officials’ incompetence”
Ogungbemi registered that “the PDP did well in the state before now” adding that, ” it’s candidate in the coming election is not a stranger to us. He is reputed for better service delivery and because he lives amongst us, he knows what to do and the right buttons to press to make life comfortable for us in Ondo state”
Amidst singing and dancing, the decampees pledged loyalty to the PDP and promised to ensure the Southern Ondo district, deliver the required votes for the PDP.
The decampees said they have since embarked on a house to house campaign in Okitipupa LG.
On hand to welcome the decampees to the PDP were Hon Clement Faboyede, a former PDP Chairman in the State and the Director General of PDP campaign council in the State.
Others are Barr John Ola Mafo, the Dep. Director General , Special Duties, Engr Raphael Ademulegun,
PDP Chairman in Irele LG, High Chief Oyenusi Ajigbore, PDP House of Assembly candidate in Irele LG, Hon Dagbatan Peter, Alhaji Sunday Oladele (Rondo money) , the DG of Campaign Council in Irele LG and the PDP Governorship candidate , Hon Agboola Ajayi. received decampees in Irele LG alongside the Campaign Council members from the State
Some of those who dropped the broom in Irele LG includes , Chief , Olatule and Edamisan Dayo,both are APC leaders from Ward 5. Chief Osowale and High Chief Lemikan both are leaders in APC in ward 1 in Irele LG, Chief Olamiho in ward 1 Who is also a notable leader in Irele APC, Chief Akindoro of ward 2 in Irele also Joined the PDP with a crowd of notable leaders in APC numbering over one thousand
In Okitipupa LG, Hon Adewo Olorunsola, Chairman Okitipupa LG of the party and other campaign council members from the State welcome about two thousands decampees from APC to the PDP.
Faboyede who congratulated them for acting wisely at the appropriate time,assured them of equal privileges that all members of the party possess.
He assured them that they will be treated equally with those they met in the Party, adding that the PDP is a practical democratic setting.
Ajayi, the PDP candidate said it’s obvious the people are fed up with whatever pain they have been going through in the hands of the APC.
He thanked the decampees for the confidence they have in him, stressing that together with the new entrants, the journey to recover, reclaim, and redefine which has since begun,will yield the desire results.