Nigeria Ahead of Council Polls, 5,000 PDP Members Defect to APC in Lagos

At least 5,000 PDP members in Ikorodu, Lagos, have defected to the APC ahead of local elections. APC leaders welcomed them, emphasizing equal opportunities and urging voter participation. Former PDP candidate Olugbenga Shittu cited APC’s achievements for the switch. Local leaders promised grassroots development initiatives, including education and welfare support.

In a major political shift, at least 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection took place on Friday at the APC secretariat, where the party’s chairman for Ikorodu, Waheed Animashaun, officially welcomed the new members.

Animashaun assured the defectors that they would be treated equally, emphasizing that the party remains open to welcoming more members from opposition parties. He encouraged them to participate in ward meetings and ensure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are ready for the upcoming local government elections.

The defection, according to Animashaun, signals growing support for the APC in Ikorodu and strengthens its chances in the upcoming elections across Lagos' 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

Leading the defectors, Olugbenga Shittu, a former PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ikorodu, cited the APC’s achievements in governance as the reason for their decision. He expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for their warm reception.

Former Lagos Deputy Governor, Abiodun Ogunleye, urged party members to secure their APC membership cards and rally support for the party’s policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Additionally, Ikorodu Local Government Chairman, Wasiu Adesina, announced initiatives, including free JAMB forms for students and stipends for elderly residents, reaffirming APC’s commitment to grassroots development.