The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), comparing its members to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in search of political shelter.
Naija News reports that the governor made the comment on Wednesday during a reception ceremony held in Abeokuta to welcome former PDP chieftains and members into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abiodun also declared the PDP as a shadow of its former self, describing it as an empty shell following a string of high-profile defections to the APC.
Among the prominent defectors were Adekunle Akinlade, the PDP’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 election; former PDP state chairman, Dr. Sikirullahi Ogundele; Deputy Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Lukman Atobatele; and ex-Chief Whip of the Assembly, Idowu Olowofuja.
Others included Dr. Mojeed Ekelojumati, former ALGON Chairman, and Rotimi Rahman (popularly known as Arugbo), former Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government.
“PDP nationwide has become an empty shell. As a matter of fact, they have been referred to as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). They are looking for IDP camps. They went to SDP, they were not accommodated, ditto to the ADC. They are still displaced,” Governor Abiodun stated on Wednesday.
Echoing an earlier statement by Ogundele, the Ogun State Governor asserted that“every responsible member of PDP in Ogun State had already exited the party, many of whom are now returning to their ‘true political home”.
“I am glad that you (new APC members) have chosen to come back to where you did belong,” the governor stated while addressing the defectors.
While welcoming the decampees, Abiodun assured them of equal rights and privileges, describing them as progressive-minded individuals whose experiences will be valuable to the APC.
“You are all welcome. You are politicians of value and vision. In APC, you will be treated with respect, and all your rights as members and leaders will be fully recognised,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the new APC members, Adekunle Akinlade, who contested the 2019 governorship election under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his warm reception and inclusive leadership.
“We are here to support you, Your Excellency. We are here to support the party and commit our loyalty absolutely to you and the party,” he said.
Akinlade, a former House of Representatives member, added that Abiodun had treated them with dignity and sincerity since they began the defection process.
“We are here to work with you and we will align with you,” he added.
Naija News reports that the event signals a major shift in Ogun State’s political landscape, further consolidating APC’s grip on the state as opposition forces continue to fragment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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