Ondo: PDP, APC Weigh Benefits Of Mimiko’s Defection

By Ayodele Oni

The defection of the former Governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his followers, among whom are former political office holders in his administration is causing rumpus within the two political parties in the state.

Mimiko had led his associates from the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the governorship election slated for November.

The PDP in the state in a reaction stated that  the associates of former Governor  Mimiko who defected to the APC last week cannot enhance the chances of the ruling party and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the November 16 gubernatorial election in the state.

However, the state chapter of the ruling party said the defection of the former PDP chieftains would ensure its “unprecedented landslide victory” in the forthcoming election.

Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, PDP publicity secretary, pointed out that there was nothing to celebrate in the defection of Mimiko’s allies to the APC.

Peretei noted that the political class was “a negligible fraction of the voting public.

“The electorate who had been pauperized and taken for granted over the years are wiser now. For a place like Ondo State with very enlightened minds, politicians can defect to wherever they want.

“When the election comes, the people will have to choose between their oppressors and those who wish to bring liberation. More importantly, while some of these defectors have never contested any elections before, others are serial election losers.

“So, how can they help an Aiyedatiwa to win in November? This is the flip side of the celebration about the defections.”

In its response, the APC in Ondo state said the decamping of the Mimiko’s associates had signalled the final burial of the opposition party in the state.

A statement by Alex Kalejaye, APC Publicity Secretary, on Sunday, August, 18, 2024, said: “In the absence of a viable opposition in Ondo State political space, the Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, will enjoy an easy victory at the governorship election in November.

“The unprecedented landslide victory would be aided by the political giants that recently defected to the ruling party from the disabled People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“The struggling main opposition party should have done all it takes to stop the defection of the experienced political players, including former governor, former federal lawmakers, former speaker of the House of Assembly, among others. PDP loss, is APC gain.

“Attempts by the aggrieved party to denounce and deny the political influence and relevance of these notable gladiators are understandably borne out of glaring frustration.

“In expressing such frustrations, APC cautioned that a sitting governor deserves some level of respect, and called on party spokesmen to be more cultured in their choice of words while addressing the Chief Executive Officer of a State.

“The people of Ondo State are convinced that the defectors are successful leaders, in and outside politics, and are only concerned about the speedy development of the Sunshine State, which Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, symbolises.

“The APC-led government, under the new dispensation, has nibbed in the bud the era of indiscriminate borrowing to finance government operations. Instead, it has introduced measures to ensure that the state operates within it’s means, and keeps for the raining day.

“The policy of conservation, notwithstanding, work is in progress on some roads, like Oda and Ijoka, while government agents are finalising a review of stalled contracts with contractors.

“The government has further conceived projects, which would have direct impacts on the rural areas, that will soon be awarded to credible and qualified contractors for timely execution.

“The State chapter commended the Governor for prioritising  welfare of the senior citizens, besides prompt payment of salaries and emoluments.

“The party observed that the beauty of serving a system meritoriously is the assurance that the system will support when age beckons, and strength depletes.

“It is our sincere expectation that the senior citizens and their entire family will reciprocate the unprecedented gesture during the election.”