Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party said on Thursday that they had officially received defectors from the All Progressives Congress, African Democratic Congress, Zenith Labour Party, Alliance for Democracy and other political parties in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Taiwo Adisa, said this in a statement made available to journalists.
The defection came two days after the ADC announced the expulsion of Makinde’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun; Senator Nonsura Sunmonu; Michael Koleoso; Niyi Adebisi; K.K. Obisesan; Kareem Toyin; Bunmi Olabode; Sola Oluokun; Oni Michael; Musibau Adejare; Pastor S.P. Akintokun; Bola Amusat and other appointees of Makinde.
Makinde, according to the statement, while receiving the defectors, assured them of equal rights and privileges in the party.
The governor said the state would witness what he called “Omi Tuntun 2.0” after his re-election in 2023, symbolising accelerated development and greater prosperity for residents of the state.
He said all the defectors would receive equal benefit accruals from the PDP, urging all members of the party to work together to bring about victory for the PDP in all elections in 2023.
In his welcome address, the state chairman of the PDP, Dayo Ogungbenro, appreciated the defectors for choosing the PDP, stating that the party “believes in equity.”
He also expressed confidence that the defectors would not be marginalised in the PDP family.
In their various remarks, leaders of the defecting politicians, lauded Makinde for providing good governance for Oyo State even as they pledged allegiance to the PDP.
