PDP members defect to ADC in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State on Tuesday defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing frustration with the ruling party.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Publicity and Organizing Secretary of the Omoluabi Progressives, Abosede Oluwaseun, who confirmed that the defectors were formally received at Oranmiyan House in Osogbo. Omoluabi Progressives is a political organization backed by the National Secretary of the party, Rauf Aregbesola.

The new members, led by the immediate past Vice Chairman of Ayedire Local Council Development Area under the PDP, Tunji Ogunrinu, said their decision followed poor internal management of the ruling party and its failure to reward loyalty.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Abdulganiyu Akeem, a former councillor of Ward 3 in Ileogbo, said the people of Osun deserved better governance, urging citizens to “arise and shine” rather than continue “suffering and smiling.”

He called on ADC leaders and the Omoluabi Progressives to ensure that the voices and interests of young people were not sidelined in the state’s political arrangements.

Also speaking, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Ogunkanmi, who moderated the defection programme, described the defectors as experienced grassroots mobilizers who could add value to the ADC.

Welcoming the new members, Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Issa Adesiji Azeez, assured them of full integration into the ADC’s structures.

He said the party stood for inclusiveness and participatory democracy, and urged members to take the ongoing voter registration exercise seriously.