Less than 48hours to Ondo state governorship election, the camp of the Zenith Labour Party ZLP in Ondo state has been depleted as the party chairman in ESE ODO local government Hon. Iyosan Bamidele and others defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC in the state.
The Chairman of Ese Odo local government Mrs Folawe Sipasi led the defectors to meet with the convener of IBI GIGA AMBASSADORS CHIEF Alex Ajipe in Akure on Wednesday.
Also at the program, 13 ex-freedom fighters under the aegis of Action Crocodile Group of Niger Delta from Arogbo – Ijaw in ESE ODO local government declared their total support for the reelection of governor Rotimi Akeredolu for second term.
The leader of the group, General Bowei Felix a.k.a Kakaduku 1, said their decision to partner with government was premised on the outstanding performance and achievements of the state governor Arakunrin Olúwarotimi Akeredolu, especially in the area of security and his quest to transform the state by attracting investors from all over the globe.
Bowei said they were impressed with the performance of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in close to four years in office and therefore seized the occasion to endorse his re-election bid for another term in office.
The ex-agitators stressed that by the pace of achievements within the short period and as a good and supportive father, it behooves for them as a group to stand shoulder to shoulder and fight for peace in the State before, during and after the elections.
They promised to vote massively for APC in the coming election and also made pledge to deliver the local government for APC.
Other generals at the meeting are General Akpodiwoni George, Gen. Mefun Duba, Gen. Bekewei Iyaboerigha, and Gen. Ogidiogo.
Others are Gen. David Eddy, Gen. Agbala Pouye, Gen. Felix Ayeuyen, Gen. Chris Itehi, Gen. Soriwei Raphael, Gen. Ebisco Serum and Woman Gen. Ebibonimighan Lady Unu
In his response, the convener of IBI GIGA AMBASSADORS CHIEF Alex Ajipe thanks the defectors and promised them more dividend of democracy if Akeredolu win second term in office
He also reiterated the commitment of governor Rotimi Akeredolu led administration to the peace and development of the state, as no meaningful development could take place in the atmosphere of crisis.
He therefore solicited the support of the ex-militant leaders in putting an end to the spate of kidnapping and other vices in some parts of the state.
Ajipe said their wealth of experience as freedom fighters and youth with background knowledge of the creeks and hinterlands would be needed to stem the activities of mischief makers in the state and the region.