Festus Akingbaso defection to APC marks major political shift in Ondo. PDP lawmaker joins with thousands, boosting APC ahead of 2027 elections

Festus Akingbaso Defection has triggered a significant political shift in Ondo State, as the House of Representatives member for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, July 31.

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Akingbaso’s defection, along with thousands of supporters, was formally received in Idanre town by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, who represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the high-profile event.

Adelami praised the lawmaker as a “worthy son” of the constituency and declared that his decision was a powerful endorsement of APC leadership at both the state and national levels.

“With him and his supporters on board, we can now say APC controls Idanre and Ifedore 100 per cent,” Adelami declared.

He also urged new members to fully support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the importance of grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 re-election campaign.

Though Akingbaso is yet to release a formal statement, political insiders suggest that more defections from the PDP in the constituency may follow soon.

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The Festus Akingbaso defection is widely seen as a turning point that could consolidate APC’s dominance in the region ahead of coming elections.