The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state has welcomed over 1,200 defectors from different political parties into its fold.
The defectors were received at Lagelu Local Government area with amid celebration, as thousands of party loyalists thronged the event to welcome the ‘new members’ into their camp.
The new members included decampees from the All Progressive Congress (APC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord, and Action Democratic Party (ADP).
The ‘returnees’ as they were referred to were received officially into the party by the PDP state chairman, Chief Omokunmi Mustapha.
He welcomed them with open arms, symbolizing that the party is a big family and ready to accommodate them.
Chief Omokunmi opined that the decision by the defectors to leave their parties to join the ruling PDP is a statement that commends the excellent work of the executive governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
In his own words, a PDP party chieftain and a former commissioner, Chief Bayo Okeyode, admonished that “politicians, whether office holder or ordinary member should imbibe the spirit of perseverance wherever they find themselves.
“Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who was my mentor in politics defected to almost four parties, and whenever he called on me to follow suit, I always refused, and would tell him, you showed us the way to this party, and right here in PDP, I will stay put.”
Chief Okeyode enjoined that, money as important as it is, cannot buy position but only perseverance and loyalty can do that.
In his response, Honourable Tayo Oyediji, who led other decampees from APC, appreciated the generosity of the people in the party in accepting him and his other colleagues back to the party.
He said that the opposition party in Oyo state (APC) has betrayed all they stand for, and that is the major reason for his defection.
The former House of Representatives member disclosed that, since the beginning of the PDP-led administration in Oyo State, he has enjoyed the benefits of good governance, and therefore, has come to pledge his allegiance to the Party.
The host of the occasion, Hon. Akintunde Olajide, representing Lagelu state constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, posited that the actions of the decampees showed the love and support the Lagelu community holds toward the Seyi Makinde-led government.
He said “decamping has been happening all over the country, but the difference here in Lagelu Local Government is that, the defectors are from five different political parties, and this is to show how much the people of this community are committed to the continuity of the incumbent administration.”
The lawmaker assured the decampees of a level playing ground and numerous benefits, as they have rejoined the ruling PDP.
Packaged by Kunle Daramola
