The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, on Wednesday, December 6, exchanged words over the defection of members to either of the political parties.
Ondo PDP chairman, Hon Fatai Adams, at a press briefing, said medical reports since May 29, 2023, showed the rate at which people die in the state increased by 25%.
Adams said the increment was a confirmation of the trauma that plagued the state and other parts of the country.
He accused the Ondo APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin, of denigrating the PDP, adding that the declaration by Adetimehin that seven members of the State Working Committee of PDP would decamp to the APC did not materialise.
He noted: “Much as we admit that we lost some members to APC, we need to let Adetimehin know that his incongruous tact and managerial ability have since made many of those who joined APC with fanfare return quietly to the PDP, at the appropriate time, we will celebrate their return.
“We however put Adetimehin and his Party on notice that henceforth, every act of misdemeanor by him will be challenged with dispatch.”
Adetimehin, in a statement, however, challenged Adams to provide names of the PDP defectors that have supposedly returned.
He said it was essential to substantiate such claims with concrete evidence rather than making sweeping statements without any factual basis.
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He stated: “I also questioned why these alleged returnees would choose to come back quietly. If indeed there were individuals who had left the APC and decided to return, it is natural to expect that they would do so openly and proudly. The insinuation made by the PDP Chairman raises doubts about the credibility of his statements and suggests a lack of understanding regarding the dynamics and unity within our party, APC.
“Contrary to Mr. Adams’ assertions, the APC in the state remains a formidable force in Ondo State and beyond. We are a party united under the able leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. Our ranks are unbreakable, and we stand together as a cohesive unit, working tirelessly for the betterment of our state and its people.
“I reiterate that the APC is the party to beat, both in Ondo State and at the national level. Our track record of achievements and the unwavering commitment of our members speak volumes about our strength and resilience. It is clear that the PDP Chairman has lost grip of his own party, and his attempt to cast aspersions on me and our party is a desperate ploy to deflect attention from his own party’s shortcomings.”