Political landscape in Ekiti State recorded another major shift on Sunday as a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Alade, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, alongside scores of his supporters.
The defection, which took place at Alade’s Awo Ekiti Ward in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, is being viewed as a significant boost for the APC ahead of the June 20 governorship election in the state.
Explaining the reasons behind his decision, Alade said he was inspired by the remarkable performance, inclusive governance and developmental strides of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whom he described as “the best leader for Ekiti at this critical period.”
He stated that Governor Oyebanji’s leadership style, commitment to unity and people-oriented policies convinced him and his supporters to align with the ruling party.
According to him, the governor has transformed Ekiti into a land of peace, development and prosperity through strategic infrastructure projects, youth-focused agricultural programmes, human capital development and purposeful governance anchored on the administration’s six-point agenda.
The event attracted several APC stalwarts and government officials, including the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; APC Chairman in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Mr. Ope Ogundele; General Manager of Adaba FM, Sir Martins Ayoola; and retired Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, among other party leaders.
Speaking during the ceremony, Alade praised Oyebanji for fostering unprecedented unity among political leaders in the state, noting that the cordial relationship among former governors and political stakeholders was a testament to the governor’s maturity and leadership capacity.
He pledged total commitment to the success of the APC and vowed to mobilise massive support for Governor Oyebanji in the forthcoming governorship election as well as for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential poll.
“I am joining APC with my supporters to add value, not to hijack the party. We are here to contribute meaningfully to the development agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and ensure greater dividends of democracy for our people,” he said.
Alade added that Awo Ekiti had witnessed unprecedented political inclusion and appointments under the Oyebanji administration, stressing that the community had never enjoyed such level of recognition in the state.
He further commended the governor for ongoing infrastructural projects across the state, including road construction, the Ado Ekiti flyover project, the multi-billion naira sports complex, the International Cultural Centre and agricultural initiatives aimed at empowering youths through commercial farming.
“I have participated in Ekiti politics for years, but I have never seen this level of development, inclusiveness and political harmony. Governor Oyebanji has shown genuine commitment to the growth of Ekiti and the wellbeing of the people,” he stated.
The former PDP leader assured party faithful that he would work tirelessly to deliver overwhelming votes for the APC in his ward and across the local government, expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious in all the 177 wards in the state.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC leadership, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, assured them of equal opportunities and full integration into the party structure.
Olatunbosun described Alade as a dependable grassroots politician whose experience and political influence would further strengthen the APC in the local government.
Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Mr. Ope Ogundele, who represented the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Sola Elesin, welcomed the defectors warmly and assured them that the APC would not discriminate against them.
He urged the new members to remain committed to the ideals of unity, peace and progress for which the ruling party is known.
“APC is a party built on unity and collective progress. We have received Hon. Ademola Alade and his supporters wholeheartedly, and we believe their coming will further strengthen the party ahead of future elections,” Ogundele said.
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