Ibadan North Turns PDP: Mass Defection Rocks Opposition as PDP Shares ₦1.5M Among Members

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan North Local Government received hundreds of defectors from opposition parties yesterday. The event, held at the party’s meeting ground in Yemetu, was marked by celebrations and a sense of renewed unity within the PDP ranks.

Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, the executive chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, played a key role in welcoming the defectors. He introduced new supervisory councilors and special assistants, assuring party members that the new appointees would prioritize their welfare.

Olufade emphasized that the well-being of party members is his top priority and announced plans for regular financial contributions from himself, councilors, state appointees, and local government appointees to support local executives, ward executives, party leaders, and members.

In a display of camaraderie, Olufade joined party members in dancing and singing in the rain, underscoring his commitment to the party and its members.

“I am thrilled by the large turnout and delighted to receive the defectors from the opposition,” said Olufade. “With the PDP being the only party in Ibadan North, I urge everyone to start mobilizing for the upcoming federal House of Representatives by-election, ensuring a victory for our party.”

As a gesture of goodwill, a total of ₦1.5 million was donated to party members from wards 1 to 12 who attended the meeting. Contributors included:

– Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government

– Hon. Akeem Ayoade, Vice Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government

– Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle Don, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor

– Hon. Babajide Gabriel, Oyo House of Assembly Member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2

– Hon. Dada Awoleye, Chairman of Primary Health Care

– Hon. Ademola Omotoso, Chairman of Oyo State Housing Corporation

– Hon. Lanre Sarumi, Ibadan North Federal House of Representatives PDP Candidate in the last general election

– Hon. Taiwo Salami, Former Ibadan North PDP Federal House of Representatives Aspirant

– Baba Ashipa

– Hon. Jubril Esho

– Hon. Abiola, Former Special Assistant to Ibadan North Local Government Chairman

Hon. Ademola Omotoso praised the PDP for fostering joy and unity, contrasting it with the frustration he attributed to the opposition parties. He welcomed the return of Engr. Tajudeen Oladoye, his former vice chairman when he was the executive chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, and other notable defectors, including all ADC councilorship candidates from the last local government election.

Engr. Tajudeen Oladoye, Hon. Kazim Alimi, and Hon. Olusola, who led the defectors, each expressed their commitment to the PDP’s growth. Alimi described his time in the opposition as a difficult tour and pledged to contribute to the PDP’s progress. Oladoye highlighted the accommodating nature of the PDP, while Olusola voiced her excitement and readiness to work for the party’s development.

The PDP in Ibadan North is poised for stronger unity and growth following this influx of new members, setting the stage for future political successes.