As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has downplayed the significance of recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Kamoru Ajisafe, the South-West Zonal Vice Chairman of the PDP, made this assertion during the inauguration of the party’s newly constituted caretaker committee in Akure, the state’s capital.
Ajisafe urged party members not to be discouraged by the defections, stating that the loss of “big names” to the APC is inconsequential. He compared the situation to Osun State, where initial defections did not prevent the PDP from ultimately succeeding.
“Those who are leaving now had long since distanced themselves from the party,” Ajisafe said. “Their departure is of little consequence as we still retain the majority of their followers.”
He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to win the upcoming election, noting that the people of Ondo State would not tolerate any manipulation of the election results. Ajisafe also expressed trust in President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair election.
In a separate interview, PDP’s governorship candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, echoed Ajisafe’s sentiments, assuring that the party is well-prepared for the election. Ajayi emphasized that despite defections, the PDP is gaining new members daily and that the masses would not forgive the party if it fails to secure victory in the upcoming poll.
The newly inaugurated caretaker committee members include former Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello, Hon. Tola Alabere, and others, who are expected to lead the party’s efforts in the state ahead of the election.
