The Ondo State House of Assembly has officially become an all–All Progressives Congress (APC) chamber, following the defection of the last two remaining members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The defectors, Olajide Oguntodu, former Minority Leader representing Akure South 1, and his deputy, Oluwatoyin Daodu, representing Akoko South West 1, announced their switch during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Olamide Oladiji in Akure.
In their separate resignation letters, the lawmakers said their decision followed extensive consultations with their families, constituents, and political allies. They blamed internal divisions and prolonged crises within the PDP for their exit, saying they needed to align with a party that offers stability and unity.
Speaker Oladiji formally read their letters during the sitting and welcomed both lawmakers into the APC fold. He described their defection as a historic moment that strengthens the ruling party’s dominance in the state assembly and urged them to contribute meaningfully to the party’s development.
The defections follow a wave of resignations within the Ondo PDP in recent weeks. The party’s former Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, and Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, also quit, accusing the leadership of trading off the party’s interests during elections and creating a hostile environment for loyal members.
Despite the mass exodus, new PDP State Chairman Hon. Dupe Aisida has appealed for calm and reconciliation. He urged members to “forget the events that divided us” and work together to rebuild the party, adding that the PDP, like a palm tree in a storm, “may bend, but will never break.”