Mass Defection Hits PDP As Union Leaders Join APC In Ondo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State suffered a major setback on Tuesday as more than 1,000 of its leaders across the 18 local government areas defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, made up largely of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), were formally received at the APC state secretariat in Akure.

APC state chairman, Ade Adetimehin, who welcomed them, urged the new entrants to return to their wards and begin grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Adetimehin said the ruling party had continued to attract new members due to President Bola Tinubu’s performance, particularly in infrastructural development.

“This is the party of victory. In APC, we don’t discriminate, there are no old or new members; we are all equal,” the chairman said.

“It is your capacity in the party that determines your reward. President Tinubu has done well for this state. We can all see the new road projects and appointments. We must work hard to deliver a landslide victory.”

He noted that the APC remained open to all who want to join and contribute to the president’s re-election bid.

Leader of the defectors, Ojo Adewole, who spoke on behalf of the group, said their decision was driven by President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing road infrastructure projects and the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“What encouraged us is the performance of President Tinubu—especially the continuation of road projects started by the previous administration,” he said.

Adewole explained that the transport community felt the impact of road projects more directly than most groups.

The defectors praised several major projects currently underway in the state and neighbouring regions.

“As NURTW members, we know the importance of good roads. The dualisation of the Benin–Ilesa Expressway, the Ore-Ondo-Akure expansion, and the coastal highway project are making our work easier,” Adewole added.

He said Minister Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to Ondo State had also inspired confidence among union members.

Adewole vowed that the defectors would work tirelessly for the APC’s success in future elections.

“We will not disappoint the minister or the party,” he said.

“We are ready to mobilise massively and ensure President Tinubu wins convincingly in 2027.”

The APC leadership in the state described the mass defection as a sign of the party’s growing dominance in Ondo politics.

Source: Naijanews