Political Earthquake In Ondo! Two PDP Lawmakers Dump Party, Join APC Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a major political setback in Ondo State, losing its last two seats in the State House of Assembly after its only remaining lawmakers officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their defection marks the first time in history that all 26 members of the Ondo State Assembly belong to the ruling APC.

The defectors — former House Minority Leader, Olajide Oguntodu (Akure South 1 Constituency), and his deputy, Oluwatoyin Daodu (Akoko South West 1 Constituency) — announced their exit during Friday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, in Akure.

In their letters of resignation, both lawmakers said their decision followed wide consultations with constituents, family members, and political stakeholders who urged them to join the APC. They also blamed their exit on the unending leadership tussles and internal divisions within the PDP.

Speaker Oladiji, after reading their letters, welcomed the lawmakers into the APC fold, describing the moment as “a landmark achievement in the political history of Ondo State.” He expressed confidence that their entry would strengthen the ruling party and enhance political stability in the state.

The defections come amid a string of resignations that have recently hit the PDP in Ondo State. Among those who resigned are the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, and Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei.

While Peretei accused the PDP leadership of “trading off the party during elections,” Igbabo claimed the opposition party had become “toxic and hostile” to effective administration and growth.

Reacting to the latest crisis, the newly appointed state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Dupe Aisida, called for reconciliation and unity within the party.

“We have been bruised—sometimes by enemies outside, but often by cracks within. Yet, like the palm tree in the storm, the PDP has bent but never broken. We will rise again, stronger, wiser, and more determined,” Aisida said.

Despite his optimism, the defection of Oguntodu and Daodu effectively leaves the PDP without representation in the Ondo State House of Assembly, underscoring the deepening divisions within the party ahead of the next general elections.