Defection: APC receives Ogun PDP factional chair, Adebutu’s deputy

The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Ogun State election, Adekunle Akinlade, and a factional chairman of the party in the state, Sikirulai Ogundele, on Thursday met with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of their formal defection. They were received at the APC secretariat in Abeokuta, […]

The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Ogun State election, Adekunle Akinlade, and a factional chairman of the party in the state, Sikirulai Ogundele, on Thursday met with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of their formal defection.

They were received at the APC secretariat in Abeokuta, signalling a major shift in Ogun State’s political landscape.

Speaking at the event, Akinlade described the move as a “homecoming,” adding that thousands of PDP and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) members were returning to the APC fold.

“From where we are coming, once our leader speaks, that is it—he has spoken for all of us. That means we’ve had our internal consultations. We are here as a team, speaking with one voice,” he said.

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“The PDP and the APM families that I led out of this party six years ago are now fully back. We have deliberated among ourselves, met with the governor, and agreed to return en masse. By the grace of God, no one will be left behind.”

Ogundele, who referred to himself as the structural leader of the PDP in the state, said his defection would see a substantial portion of the PDP’s structure shift to the APC.

“When the rhythm of the drum changes, the dance must change. The political rhythm in Nigeria has changed—and so has that of Ogun State,” he said.

“As a strategist and veteran in this game, one must think ahead. We’re not just defecting; we are moving the entire structure of the PDP to the ruling party. I am the structural and strategic leader of the PDP in Ogun. Wherever I go, the structure follows.”

He praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as their impactful leadership.

“We have much to say, but little time. Our president is performing well, and so is our governor. The administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has made a great impact in Ogun State,” he stated.