Five thousand members of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ibadan Southwest Local Government Area of Oyo State yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) renewal group, led by a former Commissioner for Environment, Chief Lowo Obisesan.
The defectors include Pa Bili Omotoso, Pa. J, Harrison, Adelaja Adegboyega, Bolanle Badmus, Kamorudeen Giwa, Ismaila Aboke, Mamud Sulaiman, Kazeem Apata, Mrs. F.A Ajala, Alhaji Yekini Ojo aka Confidence and Emmanuel Otaiku.
The defectors, who were received by the APC leader in the Southwest, Segun Oni, noted that the defectors’ structures across the 33 local governments have been taken to the APC.
ZLP Chairman of Ward Chairmen Sakiru Anifowose said he decided to lead his supporters and other 12 ward chairmen to the Obisesan faction because he had demonstrated good leadership qualities.
“Our suffering in politics is enough and we need to enjoy the dividend of democracy,” he said.
ADC state Financial Secretary Alhaji Ismail Alarape said he decided to join APC because Obisesan convinced him that politicians are different.
“Our leaders in ADC are not sincere with us, but Obisesan has demonstrated that people of integrity are in politics. He is a factor and blessing to APC. We wouldn’t have defected, if not for him,” he said.
Another ADC leader, Jimoh Rasidi Akanmu, said he is leading no fewer than 3,000 members of the party to join APC.
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He said his experience and leadership role over the years as the former chairman of Accord party in the council made his supporters to follow him to any party he is heading to.
ZLP Women Leader Bola Onaolapo said she decided to take the decision because of the qualities bestowed on the leadership of the party in the state.
She said it is time for her people to enjoy the dividend of democracy because they have suffered enough in the hands of political jobbers.
Former Accord Party Women Leader Nike Gbolasere said she joined the APC because of the sincerity of Obisesan.
He said he had demonstrated leadership qualities since he was appointed to lead the APC reforms in Oyo State, adding that he believed in his leadership qualities.
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