Ondo 2024: PDP, APC trade words over defection of Mimiko’s associates

Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for welcoming what it calls “serial election losers” into its ranks. This follows the announcement by associates of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, mostly PDP members, of their plans to defect to the APC. […]

Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for welcoming what it calls “serial election losers” into its ranks.

This follows the announcement by associates of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, mostly PDP members, of their plans to defect to the APC. The defectors, about 29 in number, had previously worked with Mimiko during his eight-year tenure and now aim to support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s re-election bid.

In a statement on Sunday, the PDP downplayed the significance of the defections, stating that those leaving the party are individuals who have never won an election in the state.

The spokesman of PDP in the state, Kennedy Peretei, expressed scepticism about the defectors’ ability to secure a victory for Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming election.

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He noted that some of the defectors had never contested any election, while others had a history of electoral losses, questioning their potential impact on Aiyedatiwa’s chances in November.

The PDP also criticised the defectors for leveraging Mimiko’s name to gain attention, asserting that there is little to celebrate in their move to the APC. The party lamented that the defectors’ use of Mimiko’s name had led to negative comments on social media about the former governor.

In response, the APC described the defections as a testament to the appeal of its vision and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

The party’s spokesman, Steve Otaloro, stated that the defectors recognise the progress made under Aiyedatiwa’s administration and are eager to contribute to the positive developments in the state.

APC dismissed PDP’s claims that the defectors were insignificant, framing the move as evidence of the opposition party’s weakness. The party welcomed the defectors, appreciating their support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election campaign and President Tinubu’s national agenda.