Defections Boost APC Strength in Ondo as Aiyedatiwa Welcomes Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate, Others.
By Exponent News, Akure – August 11, 2025
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Monday received a major boost as Hon. Dayo Awude, the Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship candidate in the last election, alongside leaders and members from the PDP, SDP, and ADC, defected to the ruling party.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who formally received the defectors at a ceremony held at Akure City Hall, hailed their decision as a “wise move” that would strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“In Ondo State, there is no room for coalition, it is one APC. Our collective interest is to retain power, and with the calibre of people joining us today, we are more than ready,” Aiyedatiwa said, citing the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his own governance record as proof of the party’s capacity.
Awude, a former Commissioner and ex-PDP State Vice Chairman, said his defection was driven by alignment with the APC’s progressive ideals and developmental agenda. “I have joined to add value and to support President Bola Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa,” he stated, urging full integration into the party’s grassroots structures.
Other notable defectors included Dele Ogunbameru, former Secretary of the SDP, who described the APC as “home” after challenges in his former party.
APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, commended Awude’s political capacity and charged the new members to deliver their units and wards for the party.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, lawmakers, party leaders, and members from across the state.
