Ondo Deputy Governor Defects To APC

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ali Olanusi, has resigned his
membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared for the
All Progressives Congress (APC).

Olanusi gave reasons for his defection in a statement made available
to Channels Television on Thursday.

"In the unfolding political development in our country today, and in
Ondo State in particular, it is increasingly clear that I need to
chart a new course for majority of my followers who look up to me for
direction and leadership and who have watched helplessly in the last
six (6) years, the untold marginalisation and total exclusion from the
government they laboured to put in place.

"While still being in place as the democratically elected Deputy
Governor of Ondo State, I have decided to lead my teeming supporters
and well wishers in the state into the All Progressives Congress (APC)
where we can find justice, fairness, equity and democratic liberty - a
party to which majority of our kith and kins in Yorubaland and belong.

"I have taken this decision at this critical time, in the best
interest of peace, stability and good governance of our dear state and
for the overall development of the South West and the Nation'" the
statement read.

Olanusi, an indigene of Supare in Akoko South West local government
area of the State, became the Deputy Governor of the State in 2009
under the platform of Labour Party before he defected alongside the
State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, to the PDP in October, 2014.

Similarly, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru, on
Sunday, announced his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Ikuru has been Governor Chibuike Amaechi's deputy since 2007 and
has been campaigning for the APC along with Amaechi until he declared
his defection six days to the general elections.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has reacted to news of Mr
Olanusi's defection.

The Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said, "The State
Government just received the news of the defection of Alhaji Ali
Olanusi, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State to the All Progressive
Congress.

"Though it came as a surprise, government acknowledges his right to
determine his political affiliation and wish him well."
--ChannelsTV