The All Progressive Congress in Ibadan Zone Leader, Alhaji Bashiru Ajibade, persuaded thousands of APC members to defect to the People’s Democratic Party in support of the Ibadan Mogaji, giving Mgaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe’s bid for the Senate a significant boost.
The historic event at IMG School in Eleta also marked the departure of important players like Alh Abass Najeemdeen Gbayawu, Alh Bolaji Akinyemi Kosigiri, Engr. Kayode Arowolo (Former APC Chairman, IBSELG), Barrister Rotimi Okeowo, a former APC candidate; Prince Olumuyiwa Akingbade Akinbiyi, Mrs.
Prince Olumuyiwa spoke on behalf of the leaders who had defected.
He noted that they were dissatisfied with the manipulations of Congress and primary election result by a cabal which hijacked the party in the state. He affirmed that they were leaving APC with majority of its members in the local government to support the Senatorial ambition of Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe and the re-election bid of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The decampees were received on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde by Chief Bayo Lawal, the Director-General for Seyi Makinde Gubernatorial campaign, and the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South East LG, Hon Emmanuel Alawode and Hon Kazeem Adeniyi Bibire, SA to the Governor on LG and Chieftaincy matters.
Former Chairman of Ibadan South East LGA, Alh Najeem Gbayawu noted that many of them had never thought of leaving the APC, but had to do so in honour of Mogaji Tegbe who had being their pillar of support in their former party. He thereafter requested a motion for members of the Achievers group to join PDP and the motion was duly moved and unanimously supported by members.
In his response, Mogaji Tegbe thanked the leaders for the huge step which they have taken, in the best interest of the Local Government and the state. He assured the leaders and teeming members that their welfare would remain paramount to him.
The new members were welcome into the PDP by the state PRO of the party, Engr Akeem Ọlatunji and the party Chairman in Ibadan South East, Hon Sulaiman Adesina, as well as the Senatorial Women Leader and Senatorial Youth Leader for Oyo South Senatorial District.
Other dignitaries who accompanied Mógaji Tegbe to the event include Hon Bolanle Agbaje, former member OYHA; Hon Jide Adewale, former Commissioner for Environment, Hon Akeem Ojuoti, member SUBEB; Barr Fatai Akinsanmi, former LG Chairman; Erelu Lateefat Jayeoba, Hon Hafeez Oladejo and Hon Tope Yussuf, former Council Secretaries, Hon Abidemi Lasode and other.