The dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo State House of Assembly grew stronger on Tuesday as two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers defected to the ruling party.
The defectors are Felix Afe (Akoko North-West II) and Tope Agbulu (Akoko South-West II). Their letters of defection were read by the Clerk of the House, Barrister Jaiyeola Benjamin, during plenary presided over by Speaker Olamide Oladiji.
With the move, the APC now controls 24 of the 26 seats in the Assembly.
Both lawmakers blamed unending crises and internal wrangling within the PDP for their exit.
Agbulu said he consulted widely with his constituents, traditional rulers, women, and youths, who urged him to align with a “more viable platform.” He pledged loyalty to the APC and promised to bring more dividends of democracy to his people.
Afe, on his part, described his defection as the result of “deep reflection and wide consultations.” He thanked the PDP for past support but said lingering divisions had made it impossible to remain in the party.
The APC caucus in the House hailed the defections as a major boost ahead of future political battles.
