PDP Emptied In Ondo As Last Two Lawmakers Dump Party For APC

According to credible political reports, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its final foothold in the Ondo State House of Assembly as its two remaining lawmakers officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing lingering internal crises within the opposition party.

The lawmakers, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, who previously served as the Minority Leader representing Akure South 1 Constituency, and Hon. Oluwatoyin Daodu of Akoko South West 1 Constituency, made their defection known during plenary at the Assembly complex in Akure, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

Both legislators, in their separate letters addressed to the House, explained that their decision followed extensive consultations with their families, constituents, and political associates, who advised them to align with the ruling APC for the sake of stability and progress. They attributed their exit from the PDP to deep-seated leadership disputes and unresolved internal wranglings that, according to them, have crippled the party’s operations in the state.

Speaker Oladiji, while officially welcoming the defectors, described the development as a significant moment in Ondo State’s political landscape. He expressed confidence that their decision would further strengthen the APC’s dominance in the Assembly and contribute to sustained political stability in the state.

With this move, all 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly are now members of the APC, effectively leaving the PDP without representation in the legislative chamber.

Political observers note that the defections follow a series of recent resignations that have rocked the PDP’s state chapter. The party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, and its Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, had earlier resigned from their positions, citing disenchantment with the party’s leadership. Peretei accused the leadership of betraying the party during elections, while Igbabo alleged that the environment within the PDP had become hostile to his work.

In a bid to restore order, the newly appointed state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Dupe Aisida, appealed for unity among members, acknowledging the party’s internal struggles but expressing confidence in its resilience. He stated that the PDP “may have bent under pressure, but it has not broken,” adding that the leadership is determined to rebuild the party stronger and more united.

Despite this assurance, political analysts believe that the latest defections underscore the extent of the PDP’s dwindling influence in Ondo State, raising concerns about its preparedness for upcoming elections.