Mohammed O. Taoheed reports,
Track News Nigeria covers that some active members of different political parties in Oyo State has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The ruling APC received the defectors during a council meeting of the party held at Elekuro High School, Ogbere in Ona-Ara area of the state.
Track News Nigeria covers that the defectors were received by the APC gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Teslim Folarin and the Oyo Central Senatorial Candidate, Dr. Yunus Akintunde.
Our Correspondent also learnt that the PDP defectors were led by Mogaji Akinjide, while Elder A Kalejaye led the SDP defectors into the APC.
Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, the Chairman, National Lottery Commission, welcomed the defectors to the APC on behalf of Folarin.
Ibikunle assured them of equality and integrity in their new party, pledging that they would benefit from every new hit regarding the welfare of members without any obstacle.
He said: “I welcome you to our great party, APC as new members, and assure you of all rights accrued to the rest of our members.
“We will ensure that you benefit from every opportunity regarding the welfare of members without sentiments.”
He called on the new members to massively mobilize for the emergence of all APC candidates in the forthcoming 2023 General elections.
Akinjide, who led the PDP defectors, noted that they were excited with the reception given to them by Folarin.
In his reaction, Kalejaye, who led the SDP defectors, pointed that the achievements of Folarin and his victory as APC governorship candidate informed their defection.
He added that the emergence of APC in the 2023 presidential elections would be a blessing to Ona-Ara Local Government Area and the whole state.
Folarin thanked the defectors, adding they made the right decision by joining APC.
He vowed to carry the defectors along in all party affairs and ensure that they benefitted from all available opportunities.
The governorship candidate advised them to go to their various wards and attend party meetings regularly for updates concerning the party.
Kolawole Waliyu (Ikoko) and Alhaji Amidu Olapade were among other leaders who defected to the APC, the Track News Nigeria understands.
Folarin was accompanied by Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, Mr Hammed Bodunrin, Mr Remi Sodiq, Mr Waheed Ajibade and Mr Mojeed Delesolu among others.