MASS DEFECTION LOOMS IN ONDO OPPOSITION PARTIES

Following the victory of the Labour Party (LP) in the general elections in Ondo State, mass defection is looming in some major opposition parties in the state. Daily Sun authoritatively gathered that most hit by the defection wind is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was learnt that no fewer than 10 top PDP members had indicated interest to pitch tent with the ruling LP.

Notable among the defectors was the former chairman of the state water corporation, Mr. Dapo Filani from Akure North Local Government. Filani was one of the supporters of former governor Olusegun Agagu who stood by him during the two years fierce legal battle, which saw the emergence of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The former water corporation chairman is expected to lead his supporters officially to the LP camp in the next few days. The ruling LP had won eight of the nine House of Representatives seats and the three senatorial seats.

The party also won 25 out of the 26 seats in the state House of Assembly. The state Deputy Chairman of the party, Chief Dele Akinyele hinted that some notable members of the PDP in the state had shown interest to defect to the LP. He pointed out that the party was ready to ensure that new members were integrated into the party without discrimination.

'Like the slogan for our party, we are ready to welcome defectors from any political party. The room is enough for all; we are going to treat them without any discrimination. The defection is a sign that the LP is a party of the future. Before now, we didn't have any member in the Senate, now we have three members there. It is a sign that LP has come to stay in the nation's polity,' he said.