Over 300 Ekiti PDP members defect to APC, give reasons

Disappointed by the alleged imposition of candidates ahead of the 2019
elections in the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) , over 300 members of the party on Friday defected to the All
Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.

The defectors, led by Hons Emmanuel Ogunlayi and Stephen Mosele, said
they were also fascinated by President Muhammadu Buhari's impressive
performances at the centre, saying this necessitated their change of
political platform to APC.

Part of what the defectors cited as being responsible for their
actions was the alleged dictatorial tendencies of the leadership of
the party, whom they accused of imposing candidates and oppressing
those perceived as opposition in a party that belongs to all of them.

The former PDP members defected at Ire Ekiti Wards I and II in Oye
Local Government area of Ekiti State through the instrumentality of
the former Federal Lawmaker and aspirant to the House of
Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, who hails from the town.

Speaking at the rally where the defectors were formally received to
the party, Daramola and the State APC Chairman, Barrister Paul
Omotoso, said the decampees will enjoy the same privileges as the old
members.

Daramola said the defection will boost his chances of clinching the
ticket to re-contest for the National Assembly seat during the party's
primary slated for October 3.

"You can see that good things are happening in Ekiti APC and this was
as a result of my ambition for the House of Representatives. I am
recontesting based on my records and reputation in APC and it is on
these bases that I want to be judged.

"They knew what I did in my first term. I built a 32-bed hospital in
this town among other things I did for my constituents. APC knew the
value of having a ranking lawmaker in Abuja. They knew the value of
having a qualitative legislator who can complement Dr Kayode Fayemi
here, because the expectations of our people are daunting.

"My contesting is not to acquire power and wealth, but to consolidate
democratic gains for my people. Within six months Fayemi is sworn-in,
the euphoria of inauguration will be over and people will expect gains
from government and this makes it necessary for us to have those who
can complement his efforts and that I know I am qualified of
achieving if given the chance", he said.

Daramola assured that he would protect the defectors and ensure that
they are not sidelined in the scheme of things in APC.

The APC State Chairman, Omotoso , who was accompanied by members of
the State Working Committee said: "This is a good omen ahead of 2019.
We thank God for delivering us from Governor Ayodele Fayose in the
July 14 governorship poll, that accounted for the benefit we are
enjoying today.

"In APC, there are no new and old members, we are all one. No
discrimination. Whatever that is due for those that have been here
before will be due to you. We operate like one indivisible family".

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Stephen Mosele promised that
they would add value to APC by ensuring that President Buhari and
other contestants win during the 2019 election.

"PDP has disappointed us, it is been controlled by one man. The voices
of members are no longer recognized. Their contributions mean nothing
to the power that be and such party is bound to collapse as we are
witnessing", he added.