Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Akinsola Jimoh, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with approximately 600 of his supporters. Jimoh, who was the PDP’s House of Assembly candidate for Okitipupa Constituency 1 in the 2023 general elections, made the official switch during a ceremony at St. Pius Catholic field in Igbotako Ward 2 on Sunday.
Jimoh’s defection is seen as a significant political shift in the lead-up to the gubernatorial election, as he was a well-known figure within the PDP. His move, along with a large number of his loyal supporters, is expected to bolster the APC’s strength in Okitipupa and surrounding areas. The event marking his defection was attended by party leaders and APC loyalists, who welcomed Jimoh and his supporters with enthusiasm, seeing it as a major boost to their campaign.
In his address, Jimoh cited dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership and direction as reasons for his defection, expressing confidence in the APC’s vision for Ondo State. He emphasized his commitment to supporting the APC’s candidate in the upcoming governorship election, pledging to work towards the party’s victory.
The defection of a high-profile PDP figure like Jimoh adds to the ongoing political realignments as both major parties gear up for a highly competitive election. The APC leadership in Ondo State hailed Jimoh’s decision as a testament to the growing appeal of the party’s governance model and its commitment to development in the region.
With tensions rising and defections increasing in the run-up to the election, all eyes are on Ondo as both the PDP and APC strategize to secure key constituencies and rally support across the state. Jimoh’s move could potentially shift the political dynamics in the Okitipupa area, where his influence as a former PDP candidate remains strong.
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