The Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have traded words following the mass defection of opposition lawmakers in the State House of Assembly to the ruling party.
The development followed the official defection of two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers — Oladiji Oguntudo, representing Akure South Constituency I, and Raymond Daodu, Deputy Minority Leader and member representing Akoko South West Constituency I — to the APC during plenary.
Before their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the only remaining PDP members in the Assembly, which is presided over by Speaker Olamide Oladiji and already dominated by the APC. Their move now gives the ruling party total control of all 26 seats, leaving the parliament without an opposition.
Reacting to the development, the Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) described the situation as a major threat to democracy and accountability.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alo Martins, the coalition warned that a legislature without opposition undermines checks and balances and weakens governance.
“A democratic system without an effective opposition is a democracy in name only,” the statement read.
However, the APC defended the defections, describing them as an endorsement of the ruling party’s performance and leadership. The party said the lawmakers’ decision to join its ranks reflects growing public confidence in its efforts to deliver good governance and improve the lives of Ondo residents.
“Opposition lawmakers are essential for checks and balances, rigorous policy debates, and oversight of the executive arm. When the legislature becomes a one-party chamber, it risks degenerating into a rubber stamp, unable to question policies, demand transparency, or defend citizens’ interests.”
The group described the mass defection as a “betrayal of the electorate’s trust,” noting that the lawmakers were elected based on specific party manifestos and platforms.
CACSOD said, “Voters who supported opposition candidates now find themselves represented by members of the ruling party without their consent. Such political opportunism undermines the integrity of elections and erodes citizens’ faith in the democratic process.”
The coalition called on the National Assembly and the ongoing Constitution Review Committee to strengthen the anti-defection law, particularly Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows defections on the grounds of internal party division.
It said the clause had been “grossly abused by politicians who manufacture or exaggerate internal crises to justify crossing over to the ruling side.”
CACSOD added, “We further call for a constitutional amendment that makes it mandatory for any elected official who wishes to defect from the party under which they were elected to first resign from office and seek a fresh mandate under their new platform.”
The group warned that the absence of opposition in the Assembly could erode accountability, stifle dissenting voices, and embolden impunity in governance.
It urged citizens to be vigilant and reject politicians who engage in “political carpet-crossing” for personal gain.
“Citizens must shine their eyes. We must no longer reward political carpet-crossers who prioritize personal gain over public service,” the group said.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending democracy, the coalition stated, “Democracy loses its meaning when every voice in the legislature sings the same tune. For governance to serve the people, there must always be room for dissent, dialogue, and accountability.”
But in a swift reaction, the APC dismissed the criticism, describing the defections as a validation of the party’s progressive governance under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement signed by its Director, Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the party explained that both leaders have demonstrated a clear commitment to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
The APC added that it rejected the notion that a political movement is a betrayal of democratic values, maintaining that in a competitive polity, elected representatives retain the right to choose the platform that best enables them to serve their constituents.
According to the party, to suggest otherwise is to stifle democracy and undermine the will of the people.
“Also, we take umbrage with CACSOD’s assertion that the absence of opposition equates to the death of democracy. This is a myopic view that fails to recognize that democracy thrives on performance, accountability, and the consent of the governed. If political actors and parties fail to offer credible leadership, coherent programmes, or measurable results, they forfeit the confidence of their members and supporters.
“We welcome our new members, the House Minority Leader, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Akure South 1, and Hon. Oluwatoyin Daodu, from Akoko South West 1, and pledged to treat them with dignity and equity. They will be mentored, supported, and given the platform to aspire to any position for which they are suitably qualified. Our doors are open to talent, integrity, and dedication,” the statement read.
The party urged civil society and all well-meaning citizens to judge political developments by their substance and outcomes rather than alarmist rhetoric.
It, however, added that the people of the state deserve governance that works – practical, accountable, and results-oriented, stressing that APC remains committed to providing exactly that.
