BREAKING: Huge blow as 63 powerful chieftains dump PDP in APC-controlled state, gives reason

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recorded a major blow in its camp.

This is as sixty-three (63) chieftains of the PDP in Idanre Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo state defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, July 21.

The defectors included the chairman, PDP Elders’ Forum in the locality, Idowu Akinseye, former special adviser to former governor Olusegun Mimiko, Marcus Adeoti, Lad Owoseni, former chairman Timber Finishers, Brigadier Omogbemi, The Nation reported.

Chief Banji Kuroloja, former personal secretary to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Korede Duyile and Professor John Jejela, amongst others.

They, however, noted that their defection to the ruling party would boost the strength of the APC in next year’s LGA and governorship election.

Speaking on the development, Ondo APC chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin, who received the defectors, said they were politicians who always ensured victory for the PDP during elections, Daily Independent report added.

He noted that with their recent move into the party, Idanre and its environs are locked into the progressives.

Fayose speaks on dumping PDP after meeting President Bola Tinubu

In another development, a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has said he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fayose vowed not to exit the PDP, despite his strained relationship with the opposition party.

Fayose disclosed he was with the Tinubu government but would criticise the Nigerian leader when he had to.

Kwankwaso to defect to APC after meeting Tinubu?

NNPP gives update In another report, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has addressed concerns among its supporters regarding the possible defection of Rabiu Kwankwaso, their presidential candidate, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The apprehension arose after Kwankwaso met with President-elect Bola Tinubu in Paris, France. The spokesperson of the NNPP, Dr Major Agbo, held a press conference in Abuja to alleviate fears and affirm that there was no cause for alarm.