At least 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State have defected to the All Progressives Congress on Friday.
The APC chairman for Ikorodu, Waheed Animashaun, welcomed the defectors at the party’s secretariat, assuring them of equal treatment within the party. He emphasized that the local government elections would be held in all 20 councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas across the state. Animashaun encouraged the new members to attend ward meetings for recognition and integration, highlighting the importance of their Permanent Voters Cards as their key tool in the democratic process.
Animashaun also stated that the defection signified the widespread acceptance of APC in Ikorodu and reaffirmed the party’s confidence in securing victory in the upcoming local government elections. He praised the decision of the defectors, noting that it reflected the APC’s successful governance at the local, state, and federal levels.
“Our doors are always open to defectors from opposition parties in Ikorodu, with assurance of equal rights to everybody whether old or new.
“This defection is an indication that APC is generally accepted in Ikorodu, which is an assurance of our party’s victory in the coming council elections.,” he said.
Mr. Olugbenga Shittu, who led the defectors from the PDP, explained that the decision was a collective one based on the visible achievements of the APC-led administration in the local government. Shittu, who contested for the Ikorodu Federal House of Representatives seat in 2023 under the PDP, expressed his gratitude to the APC leadership for accepting him and his supporters with warmth.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, urged the new members to obtain their APC membership cards and actively participate in the upcoming council elections. He called for support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said was designed for the betterment of Nigerian citizens and the country’s economic growth.
Ogunleye also encouraged the defectors to use their PVCs to ensure a landslide victory for the APC in the forthcoming elections.
Ikorodu Local Government Chairman, Mr. Wasiu Adesina, assured the community that his administration would continue its support for youth education by providing free JAMB forms for interested students. Additionally, he announced plans to begin paying monthly stipends to 140 elderly residents in the area for the remainder of his tenure, urging ward chairmen to submit the names of those 70 years and older for inclusion.
