A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Fisayo Ajisafe, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the development agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and the lingering crisis in the PDP.
Ajisafe, a prominent PDP leader and grassroots mobiliser in Ifedore Local Government Area, announced his defection on Thursday, saying the internal challenges in the opposition party had constrained his ability to effectively serve his constituents.
He said he decided to join the APC to identify with what he described as the “moving train” and contribute to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I have decided to join the moving train and continue to get involved in the Renewed Hope agenda of our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Ajisafe said the growing strength of the APC across the state also influenced his decision, expressing confidence that the party would perform strongly in future elections.
He said his political experience and grassroots support would be deployed to strengthen the APC and mobilise support for the party.
Ajisafe also urged members of opposition parties to join the APC, describing it as a progressive platform capable of moving the country forward and addressing insecurity.
He said his defection would have political implications for the PDP in his federal constituency, where he claimed to have played a significant role in opposition politics.
Ajisafe further commended the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, citing ongoing road projects, including the Orita-obele-Ijare-Ikota road, as evidence of the APC government’s development efforts.
“The APC government is doing very well, and I appreciate what it is doing for our people,” he said.
Speaking on Ajisafe’s defection, at his political ward in Ikota, the immediate past state chairman of the party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, described him as a respected grassroots mobiliser and progressive-minded leader.
Adetimehin, who was accompanied by other party leaders, expressed confidence that Ajisafe would make meaningful contributions to the growth and unity of the APC.
He described the defection as timely and strategic, assuring Ajisafe of equal opportunities and full integration into the party structure.
Adetimehin urged party members to remain committed to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that Ondo State would deliver more than one million votes for the President in the 2027 election.
He added that the APC remained committed to strengthening its unity and welcoming progressives willing to contribute to the party’s success and the development of Ondo State.