Governor Abiodun Welcomes New Members from PDP and ADC to APC

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has officially welcomed former leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) from Ijebu North, Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, and Odogbolu Local Government Areas into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During a meeting with the new members in Abeokuta on Wednesday evening, Governor Abiodun expressed confusion about why some people still belong to the PDP in the state.

"Those of you who are still with the Peoples Democratic Party, I find it difficult to understand why you are still there. In 2019, they lost; in 2023, they lost again. What are you still doing there?" he asked as he addressed the defectors.

The governor called the APC the party to beat in Ogun State. He said he could not understand why anyone would remain in opposition parties after losing elections repeatedly.

"We don’t make noise, we don’t drink whisky or Hennessy; we work to ensure the continuous development of the state.

"Those of you who are still with the Peoples Democratic Party, I find it difficult to understand why you are still there. In 2019, they lost; in 2023, they lost again. What are you still doing there?"

He pointed out that even in Ijebu North, Ijebu East, and Waterside, the PDP lost despite having the highest political office holder in the state at that time, Hon Adegbesan, a former State Assembly member. "So, what are you doing in the PDP? What does ADC have to offer you?" he questioned.

Governor Abiodun said his administration would keep working on completing projects that previous governments abandoned. He noted that these projects were funded with taxpayers’ money and should not be wasted.

"This is the first government that has completed abandoned projects from previous administrations. Doing that is part of my vow because they were not embarked upon with anybody’s father’s money; they were funded with our taxes. So, we have to finish them.

"Even though we were not the ones that started the hospital and the Buhari Estate, we finished them. Somebody may build a hospital like he is building a house, but a building is not a house. You can build a building and it might not be a home. You can build four walls without a roof on it. It is when it is properly completed that you can finally start to receive the praise you deserve," he stated.

The governor encouraged the new APC members to promote the party and the Renewed Hope Agenda. He promised that a proper rally would soon be held to officially welcome them into the ruling party.

He also assured the defectors that they would not regret their decision, saying they would soon experience the benefits of democracy under the APC-led government.

The State Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, welcomed the defectors' decision to join the ruling party, calling it a wise choice.

Sanusi said the APC is an inclusive political platform that offers opportunities for all members to help develop the state.

In their comments, former PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Ijebu North, Hon Adebowale Emmanuel; Chairman of Ward 6, Ijebu North, Prince Adeyemi Adewale; and Ajibandele Ward Chairman in Ijebu East Local Government, Hon Adedokun Kazeem, agreed it was time to leave the opposition and join what they called the train of development under Governor Abiodun.

The Secretary of the ADC in Ijebu East Local Government, Chief Michael Bakare, thanked Governor Abiodun for allowing the people of Imobi to have a traditional ruler. He said joining the APC was a choice to move away from stagnation and embrace progress.

Also, ADC Chairman in Ijebu North-East Local Government, Hon Erinle Opeoluwa Samuel, praised the progress happening in Ogun State. He said joining the APC was a decision they should have made a long time ago.