By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Scores of supporters and loyalists of former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a significant political watershed in the state.
The loyalists, led by Balarabe Abiodun Akinwunmi, a known associate of Jegede, formally announced their defection at the weekend in Akure, aligning with the Atiku Abubakar led coalition-backed ADC.
Jegede, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice under ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko, was the PDP’s governorship candidate in the 2016 and 2020 elections, where he contested against the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Speaking during the event, Akinwunmi attributed their decision to the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP at both the state and national levels, saying the move was based on principle rather than political convenience.
“Today, I, Balarabe Abiodun Akinwunmi, have chosen to stand with the people and, by the grace of God, I have joined the ADC. From today, we shall mobilise house-to-house, street-to-street, unit-to-unit, and ward-by-ward to demonstrate our strength.
“We will show them on election day, the power of the people, and I believe God is with us, and we shall triumph,” he said.
Akinwunmi, who is aspiring to represent Akure North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also pledged continued engagement with the grassroots and assured supporters of his commitment to their welfare.
He expressed confidence that the ADC would provide credible leadership and help rescue the state and the country from what he described as the grip of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Welcoming the defectors at the party’s Ijomu/Obanla Council Ward, the ADC Chairman Mukaila Ajiboye commended Akinwunmi and his supporters for their bold and courageous decision to join the ADC.
Ajiboye said the defection is a blooster and would also strengthen the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He, however, promised that the defectors would be fully integrated and treated equally within the party structure.
The Nation