By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been hit by another high-profile defection as Hon. Festus Olanrewaju Akingbaso, a member of the House of Representatives and the party’s 2024 deputy governorship candidate in Ondo State, officially dumped the opposition party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akingbaso, who represents the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency of Ondo State, announced his defection on the floor of the House during plenary on Tuesday.

His move was formally disclosed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas.

Popularly known as “Fessywest,” Akingbaso attributed his decision to the lingering internal crises within the PDP, which he said have made it difficult for the party to function effectively as a credible opposition.

The defection comes as the PDP grapples with mounting internal divisions and leadership wrangles, even as its National Executive Committee (NEC) convened to address the festering political turmoil threatening the cohesion of Nigeria’s leading opposition party.