A former Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Mrs Esther Ebieonjumi, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, citing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s style of leadership as responsible for her exit from the PDP.
Ebiwonjumi, while speaking during her official defection to the APC, said she left the PDP due to a lack of leadership style, saying, “I announce my defection to the APC together with other women leaders of the PDP in the Okitipupa.
It will be recalled that Ebiwonjumi resigned as the state party woman leader last month before announcing her defection to the APC on Monday.
The former PDP woman leader assured the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of winning the southern senatorial district for him in the forthcoming governorship election.
According to her, the new entrants would join others to commence a house-to-house campaign for Aiyedatiwa and the APC to ensure his victory in the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Responding, Aiyedatiwa described the defection of the woman leader and her supporters as a welcome development for the APC in the state.
The governor expressed optimism that more defectors are coming to APC from PDP and said very soon, “We shall receive many PDP members, including their leaders.”
Aiyedatiwa called on old and new members of the party to unite and collaborate effectively, stressing the importance of working together to ensure that the APC retains power in the state.
“The APC is one big family, and your integration is crucial to our success. Let us all prioritise the success of our party and work together for a better future,” he said.
Addressing some of the challenges raised at the event, including infrastructure, electricity and employment, the governor promised to examine them critically and work towards resolving them.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Primates in Okitipupa LGA and members of Zion Gospellers’ Church, Okitipupa, Dr. Joshua Orogbemi Akintan, founder of Zion Gospellers’ Church, thanked the governor for identifying with the people at the grassroots, declaring the community’s total support for his administration.
Also at the event, the Odatiwa Women Initiative, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, distributed aprons and food items to women in the area.
The governor had earlier held a stakeholder meeting with members of the APC in Ilaje Local Government Area at Igbokoda.
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