In a significant political development, top leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging their support for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s re-election bid.

The defectors, led by former Commissioner for Environment, Lebi Adepiti, and former Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Debo Ajimuda, included former political office holders, local government, and ward officers of the PDP in Ilaje Constituency 1 and 2.

The leaders, who met with Governor Aiyedatiwa in his office on Wednesday, attributed their decision to join the APC to their desire to support the Governor’s re-election, citing his impressive performance since assuming office.

They pledged to mobilize support for the Governor in Ilaje and its environs, stating that the PDP no longer exists in the local government.

In his address, the State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, welcomed the new members and promised to support their official decamping ceremony.

On his part, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for their decision, assuring them of inclusive participation and retention of their leadership roles within the APC.

This development is seen as a significant boost to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s re-election campaign and a testament to his popularity in Ilaje Local Government Area.