PDP receives Oyinlola, Obada, other defectors in massive rally

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West on Wednesday received scores of defectors across the six states in the zone from the APC, Zenith Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The PDP leaders reiterated its determination to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the future elections both in the zone and at the national level.

The defection rally tagged, ‘PDP South-West Zonal Unification Rally,’ was attended by party stalwarts, including the former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP (South), Chief Olabode George, Chief Eddy Olafeso, Chief Shuabu Oyedokun; former governor Ayodele Fayose, Segun Sowunmi, Dr Saka Balogun; and Mrs Mutiat Ladoja.

Also present at the occasion are Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Austin Akobundu, party’s Organising National Secretary, who represented the National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, Prince Toyese Oyinlola; Senator Ademola Adeleke, Ladi Adebutu, Yemi Akinwonmi, Chief Oyewole Fasawe; Ayo Fadaka, and Prince Diran Odeyemi.

Among the defectors who were received into the party are former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; a former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Ademola Ige, a former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Fatai Akinbade; Oladipupo Adetutu Kensington from Ogun State; Remi Oseni (Oyo) and Wale Adegoke (Oyo).

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described the rally as the birth of unity in the South-West.

He said, “They said the rally should not hold because of coronavirus. It is their party that is infected with coronavirus. This is the beginning of unity in the South-West. The PDP is ready to do things according to the rule of law.”

Speaking on behalf of other defectors, Oyinlola, who addressed the rally in Yoruba language, lamented that the ruling APC deceived the South-West by presenting restructuring as its main agenda but failed to fulfill its promise.