In a significant political shift, Hon. Dayo Awude, the former deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the November 16, 2023, Ondo State gubernatorial election, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading scores of supporters with him.
The move, announced in Akure, marks a blow to LP’s influence in Ondo State and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.Awude, who ran alongside LP’s governorship candidate Chief Sola Ebiseeni in 2023, cited his belief in the APC’s vision for Ondo State and Nigeria as his reason for defecting.
Speaking at a well-attended ceremony in Akure, he praised the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressing confidence that the APC offers a stronger platform to address the state’s developmental challenges.
“The APC has shown commitment to progress, and I believe aligning with them will better serve the people of Ondo,” Awude stated.
The defection comes amid growing tensions within the Labour Party, with some members expressing dissatisfaction over internal leadership struggles and the party’s performance in recent elections.
Awude’s departure follows a pattern of high-profile defections from the LP, including Valentine Ozigbo, a former Anambra governorship aspirant and Peter Obi ally, who joined the APC in February 2025.
Sources close to Awude suggested that his decision was influenced by the LP’s failure to sustain momentum in Ondo after the 2023 election, compounded by internal crises and lack of grassroots support.
During the 2023 Ondo election campaign, Peter Obi had actively supported Awude and Ebiseeni, leading a roadshow in Akure to rally voters for the LP.
However, the party’s candidate, Ayodele Olorunfemi, later blamed Obi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for the LP’s electoral loss, citing inadequate support and internal mismanagement.
Awude’s defection appears to underscore these frustrations, signaling a further erosion of Obi’s influence in the Southwest.
The APC warmly welcomed Awude and his supporters, with Ondo State party chairman, Hon. Ade Adetimehin, describing the defection as a “significant boost” for the party’s dominance in the state.
“We are delighted to receive Hon. Awude and his followers. Their decision strengthens our resolve to deliver good governance under Governor Aiyedatiwa and President Tinubu,” Adetimehin said.
The event saw scores of LP members, including local party officials and grassroots mobilizers, formally join the APC, pledging their loyalty to the ruling party.
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