By Nofisat Marindoti
No fewer than 100 members from the opposition parties in the State of Osun has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), party ahead of the coming September 22 Governorship election in state.
The defectors who were former members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party defected to APC during a town Hall meeting in Iwo, which was organized by the Osun All Progressives Youth Forum, a youth wing of the APC led by Comrade Olateju Olorungbebe Adunni.
The development according to the OAPYF Coordinator, Comrade Adunni was one of the greatest achievements recorded by the forum since its began the town hall meeting about two weeks ago.
Adunni said the meetings were geared towards resolving perceived differences among the members of the ruling party and to woo new members to the party ahead of September 22 gubernatorial election in the state.
Receiving the defectors, the APC Chairman in Iwo, Semiu Ayanfe congratulated them for taking a bold step, saying it was a clear message for some members of the opposition parties who think they can wrestle power from the ruling APC come September 22.
According to Ayanfe, “it is because of good governance led by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, that makes opposition parties members to join the progressives”.
Speaking, Mr Aditu Sideeq who led the defectors, said they defected to APC because of the development the APC led government has brought to the state.
Sideeq who vowed to always give necessary support to the party said they were convinced by the unprecedented development Aregbesola has brought to the state within a space of seven years.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alihaji Moshood Adeoti in his remarks, explained that the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) is the only weapon with which the youths can claim their rights.
He implored the people of the State, especially those who have not registered, to ensure they register with INEC, with a view to securing their PVCs that would enable them participate in the coming election.
According to him, “Voter’s card is the weapon that could be used by the electorates to choose candidates of their choice”.
Speaking, the Director of Osun Rural Area Development, ORAM, Hon. Adeleke Adeyemi Oriolowo, said the State government has partnered with World Bank in construction of road between Osogbo to Iwo and Iwo to Ejigbo.
He stressed that the State government is making efforts to improve the standard of living of people in the state.