…As Oyetola, Oyedokun, Lawal Canvasses Unity in APC

It was carnival-like as the popular politician in Ikirun, Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Barrister Kayode Oduoye formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday.

Oduoye who denounced his former political party – People’s Democratic Party, PDP, described the decision as a deliberate effort to pitch tent with a political party built on internal democracy and democratic tenets so as to further impact in people’s lives.

Receiving thousands of defectors, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola expressed gratitude to Almighty God for always being with the party now and then particularly since the party stepped aside from government in the state.

Oyetola who described the continued unity, progress and harmony in the party as inexplicable said the party is resolute to return to government in the state.

The Minister who was represented by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji expressed delight in the large number of defectors who have willingly decided to join the party with track records of monumental development.

He appealed to the members of the party to continue to extend hands of fellowship to the new members as they used to do in line with the principles of the party as APC is known for honesty, integrity and excellence.

“I am very happy to formally receive Kayode Oduoye popularly called (Super Kay) and his followers. No doubt, Oduoye is a politician to reckon with not only in Ikirun but in the entire state. His political trajectory has been very impactful and rewarding. As a young politician of repute, our party has once again increased with great people in Ifelodun Federal Constituency.

” I want to assure you that you are at home as we wholeheartedly welcome you into the progressive family. This is a party to win anytime anyday. We are committed to the progressive tenets and ideology as a party and these have been the template to which many we have been doing great and transforming lives of the people either in government or out of government.

“As I am formally welcoming Oduoye and his people, I want to appeal to you all to continue to work in unison for the goodness and betterment of our party and the people at large. I want to appeal to you all to go back to your various wards and local government areas to start mobilizing the people as we are prepared, resilient, and resolute to record victories in the future elections”, Oyetola said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, eulogized the defectors for taking a bold step of coming to a progressive party that understands the real definition of politics and governance.

“I want to appeal to the defectors led by Kayode Oduoye to continue to work with the members of our party for our collective progress and success. We want you to be more united and committed to the party’s cause so as to ensure that our party comes victorious in the future elections.

“We are grateful that Oduoye and his people are coming at the right time. Our party is the political party to beat anytime. We are confident in God and humanity that our party has continued to wax stronger as ever before as affirmed by the quality people defecting into our party in recent times”, Lawal said.

In his short remarks, the former National Deputy Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, applauded the giant step taken by the defectors described the decision as timely and a round peg in a round hole.

Oyedokun who described the ruling PDP in the state as a “sinking ship” said the gale of defection will continue to strike the PDP in the state as consequence of its members’ anomalies.

Chief Oyedokun who is one of the leaders of APC in the state, commended Oyetola for being committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President as manifested in the giant strides made so far as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

Oyedokun therefore lauded the party leaders and members for their unalloyed support and commitment to the cause of the party just as he advised them to remain steadfast and resilient towards winning future elections.

In his remarks, Barrister Kayode Oduoye said his decision to join the national ruling party – APC was informed by its democratic tenets and internal democracy that define the engagement of its loyalists.

He pledged to work in unison with all to further strengthen the party and record electoral successes and victories.

The occasion was attended by loyalists and admirers of the party across Ifelodun federal Constituency and beyond.