By GlobalWatch|Ijebu Ode
In what appears to be a major political shift in Ogun East Senatorial District, prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) from all nine local government areas have officially begun their integration into the All Progressives Congress (APC), following their defection to the ruling party.
As part of the standard protocol, the defectors paid courtesy visits on Sunday to leading figures of the APC in the district, including Senator Olamilekan Abdulrahman Mustapha and Hon. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan, the member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East, and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The high-powered delegation, comprising three key representatives from each local government, was led by Hon. Babatunde Benson (Ikenne), representing Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North Federal Constituency; Hon. Arowosegbe Rasak (AROCOOL) of Odogbolu, representing Ijebu Ode, Odogbolu, and Ijebu North East Federal Constituency; and Comrade Sakibu Raimi (Ijebu North), representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East, and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency.At Senator Mustapha’s Ijebu Ode GRA residence, the visitors were warmly received.
The Senator described their move into the party as timely, noting that the faces were not new to Ogun East’s political landscape. “Your coming is not just a political step but a return to a shared vision. This is a win-win for the APC,” he said, while urging them to align with the leadership of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, who he reaffirmed as the party’s leader in the state.
Similarly, while receiving the delegation at his constituency base, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan welcomed the defectors wholeheartedly, stating that their visit symbolized a homecoming. “This is not defection; it is a strategic return. You’ve met the Governor and are here today, this shows political depth and grassroots understanding,” he said, particularly commending Dr. Mojeed-Ekelojumati Oladele Rahman, a former ALGON Chairman in Ogun State, for leading with foresight and purpose.
Dr. Ekelojumati, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and described the visits as part of the APC’s culture of structured integration. “We’re back home, and we’re ready to work,” he said.
Other party leaders who received the team included Hon. Saheed Banjo, Akilo Hakeem, APC Ward 7 Women Leader Alhaja Ronke Mustapha, Deacon Akilo and Alhaji Moibi, among others.
Earlier on Friday, the group was hosted by APC apex leaders in Ijebu North during a ward-level welcome reception for defectors from Wards 1 to 11.
The event drew the presence of political heavyweights including former Deputy Governor Senator Gbenga Kaka, Engr. Bayo Dayo, Chief (Mrs.) Omotuke Abisola Omotara-the Iyaloja General of Ijebu Igbo, APC LG Women Leader Mrs. Olanike Akewusola, Alhaja Babajide, and APC Senatorial Youth Leader Hon. Shina Lawal Ajetunmobi.The leaders commended the defectors for their maturity and boldness and encouraged them to return to their wards to strengthen grassroots structures for the party.
It would be recalled that before the courtesy visits to party leaders in Ogun East, the delegation had earlier met with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, in Abeokuta and we’re also received by the Local Government Chairman, Mr Bolaji Odusanya, where they formally declared their move to the APC.
