In a significant political development, more than 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection took place on Friday at the APC secretariat in Ikorodu, where the APC chairman for the area, Waheed Animashaun, welcomed the new members with assurances of equal treatment within the party. Animashaun emphasized the importance of their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), encouraging the defectors to participate actively in ward meetings for proper recognition and integration into the party.
“We are committed to ensuring equal rights for all members, whether old or new. This defection reflects the growing acceptance of the APC in Ikorodu and is a strong indicator of our party’s anticipated success in the upcoming local government elections,” Animashaun said.
He further praised the defectors for their decision to join the ruling party, attributing it to the achievements of the APC-led administration at all levels of government. Animashaun also called on both new and existing members to validate their membership cards in preparation for the elections.
Mr. Olugbenga Shittu, who led the defecting members from the PDP, explained that the move was a collective decision based on the accomplishments of the APC-led administration and the visible progress in the local government area. Shittu, who contested for the Ikorodu Federal House of Representatives seat in 2023 under the PDP, expressed his gratitude to the APC leadership for their warm reception.
In a show of unity, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, urged the new members to obtain their APC membership cards and vote for the party in the upcoming council elections. Ogunleye also encouraged support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to drive national development and economic growth.
“The PVC is your power. Come out in large numbers and vote for a resounding victory in the upcoming elections,” Ogunleye said.
In his address, Mr. Wasiu Adesina, Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting local youth and the elderly. He announced the continuation of the free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for interested youths, urging parents to inform their children. Adesina also revealed plans to provide monthly stipends to 140 elderly residents, promising continued support until the end of his tenure. He requested that ward chairmen submit the names of members aged 70 and above for inclusion in the stipend program.
This mass defection to the APC marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Ikorodu, as the party looks to strengthen its presence ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
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