The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State faced a significant setback on Tuesday after more than 1,000 of its leaders from all 18 local government areas dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, largely members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), were officially welcomed into the ruling party at the APC state secretariat in Akure.

APC State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, while receiving them, urged the newcomers to return to their wards and commence intensive grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Adetimehin attributed the continued influx into the APC to President Bola Tinubu’s performance, especially in the area of infrastructural development.

“This is the party of victory. In APC, we don’t discriminate—there are no old or new members; we are all equal,” he said.

“It is your capacity that determines your reward. President Tinubu has done well for this state. We can see the ongoing road projects and new appointments. We must work hard to deliver a landslide victory.”

He reiterated that the APC remains open to all who wish to join and support the president’s re-election efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, their leader, Ojo Adewole, said the group’s decision was motivated by President Tinubu’s ongoing road construction projects and the leadership style of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“What encouraged us is President Tinubu’s performance—especially the continuation of road projects initiated by the previous administration,” Adewole said.

He noted that the transport sector feels the impact of road development more than most, hence their alignment with the APC.

The defectors commended several major road projects currently underway in Ondo and neighbouring states.

“As NURTW members, we understand the value of quality roads. The dualisation of the Benin–Ilesa Expressway, the Ore–Ondo–Akure expansion, and the coastal highway project have all made our work much easier,” Adewole said.

He added that Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s dedication to the development of Ondo State had further strengthened the confidence of union members in the APC.

Adewole pledged that the defectors would work relentlessly to ensure the party’s victory in forthcoming elections.

“We will not disappoint the minister or the party,” he assured.
“We are fully prepared to mobilise on a massive scale and deliver a convincing victory for President Tinubu in 2027.”

The APC leadership in the state hailed the mass defection as further proof of the party’s increasing political strength and influence in Ondo State.