A former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Hon. Yekini Olanipekun, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his Arigidi/Iye Ward, one in Akoko Northwest Local Government.
Olanipekun, a former lawmaker and ex-commissioner, left the umbrella party with his numerous followers and was received by the party’s leadership at a funfair ceremony.
The defection of Olanipekun to the APC marks the final straw against the PDP in Akoko Northwest Local Government, as he was one of the main financiers of the party in the council area.
Speaking after he formally joined the APC, Olanipekun said the umbrella, the symbol of the PDP, has been torn into shreds by the factions loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and that of the factional chairman, Taminu Turaki SAN.
According to him, all the founding fathers of the PDP in Ondo State have left, while the relics are not interested in winning elections but are waiting to take logistics during elections.
Also, he said the developmental projects embarked upon by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government in the state have made him change his mind about joining the APC.
Olanipekun mentioned the road projects between Akure and Ado-Ekiti, the dualisation of Akure to Ore, and Ilesa/Owo/ Benin State as one of the reasons for joining the ruling party.
He said, “The NELFUND initiative to democratise access to education is another commendable effort of Mr President, which must be applauded.”
The Chairman of APC in the local government, Mr Kehinde Obanla, described Olanipekun as a political bigwig who has come to add to the fortune of the party in the local government.
Obanla said Olanipekun is a progressive all through, and his coming into the APC is like a homecoming as he was a pioneer member of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the local government.
Similarly, the Ward Chairman, Mr Olumide Awolumate, welcomed the new entrants into the party and urged them against any act that may lead to factionalisation.
