APC ticket denial forced my defection to ADC — Akinyelure
By Boye Oyeyemi
Former Senator Ayo Akinyelure has said his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress for the African Democratic Congress was triggered by what he described as unfairness in the allocation of the APC’s 2027 senatorial ticket for Ondo Central.
Akinyelure, the ADC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District, disclosed this during a media parley with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akure, saying he defected after becoming convinced that he would not have a fair opportunity to contest under the APC.
The two-term former senator said he decided to seek another platform after being informed that the APC ticket had effectively been reserved for preferred aspirants instead of being subjected to a competitive process.
He said his experience in the Senate and what he described as his record of representation influenced his decision to seek another platform that would enable him to return to the National Assembly and continue representing the district.
Meanwhile, Akinyelure denied reports of a political arrangement with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, saying his meetings with the governor were not aimed at negotiating political favours.
According to him, he approached Aiyedatiwa to discuss his intention to return to the Senate but was informed that the APC ticket was unavailable, prompting him to seek the ADC ticket, which he said he later secured through a consensus arrangement.
The former lawmaker said his defection was not a personal fight with APC members, adding that he remained willing to work with whoever emerged as president if the administration provided an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ondo Central.
Akinyelure also criticised the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy, urging the Federal Government to review the policy in response to the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
