By Seun Owolabi
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a major political gain in Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, as over 700 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State defected to the party ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The defectors, who formally joined the ADC at the party’s Ward Secretariat in Ayede-Ekiti over the weekend, said they were attracted by the party’s promise of providing a credible alternative to the political and socio-economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
The development is coming at a critical period in the political activities across Ekiti North, with the ADC seeking to strengthen its grassroots structure and expand its support base ahead of the elections.
Speaking at the event, the ADC candidate for Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, Sir Stephen Oribamise, urged the new members to remain committed to the party and mobilise voters across the constituency for all ADC candidates.
Oribamise also called on voters to look beyond ethnicity and other primordial considerations in choosing Nigeria’s next president, urging them to consider competence and capacity. He expressed support for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, whom he described as capable of addressing the economic challenges facing the country and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
The House of Representatives candidate said ADC candidates in Ekiti North had demonstrated commitment to the people by touring communities across the district to explain their programmes and solicit support, contrasting this with what he described as the imposition of candidates who have little accountability to the electorate.
Also speaking, ADC State Deputy Chairman, Chief Dare Adekolu, welcomed the defectors into the party and assured them of equal treatment, urging them to contribute actively to the growth and success of the ADC at the ward, local government and constituency levels.
Responding on behalf of the defectors, former PDP Local Government Chairman, Hon. Goke, said their decision to join the ADC was informed by the need for a political alternative capable of addressing the hardship confronting Nigerians.
He urged the new members to work collectively for the success of the ADC in the forthcoming elections, expressing optimism that the party would make significant gains across Oye Local Government and the wider Ekiti North Federal Constituency.