ZLP CRACKS, AS LEADERS, MEMBERS DEFECT TO APC
The troubles within the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Ondo State was further compounded on Monday, as hundreds of its members defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure, the state capital.
The defectors were led by the chairman of the ZLP in Ondo East Local Government area, Hon. Olamigoke Busayo, who had earlier resigned from the ZLP.
Hon. Olamigoke, popularly called “Bullet” by his followers, led several ward chairmen, Youths and women leaders to the APC secretariat along Oyemekun Road, Akure.
Receiving the new entrants into the APC, State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said the ZLP’s fortune in the state has crumbled with the collapse of its structure in Ondo East.
Describing the former ZLP chairman as a notable politician and viable asset to any political party, Adetimehin challenged them to go to their wards and shine.
“We don’t discriminate in APC. Your efforts and commitment to the party, particularly now that we are going into an election, will stand you out for recognition,” the state chairman explained.
Earlier, the leader of the group, Hon. Busayo Olamigoke, said they were moved by the achievements of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in less than four years, and the crave to belong to the mainstream of Ondo State politics.
The event was witnessed by the member representing Ondo East in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Olumide Olajidi, a political leader from the Ondo Federal Constituency, Chief Olabisi Johnson, among others.
ZLP REPLACED ONDO EAST CHAIRMAN
The leadership of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, in Ondo State had on Friday appointed Mr. Akinyotu Rufus as the Acting Chairman of the party in Ondo East Local Government.
In a press statement signed by the party chairman, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, the new Acting Chairman, Akinyotu will be replacing Olamigoke Busayo for optimal efficiency in the organisation of the party’s activities especially as the October 10 Governorship election in the state draws near.
Until his appointment, Akinyotu, a grassroots politician, was the Vice Chairman of the party in Ondo East Local Government.
ONDO 2020: PDP CAMPAIGN SLOGAN INDUCES VIOLENCE, SAYS APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has accused its arch rival, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of fuelling violent attacks in the State through its campaign slogan. The PDP campaign slogan for Ondo 2020 is “Eyitayo must not fail”.
The APC, in a statement by its State Publicity, Alex Kalejaye, defines it as new version of the old “do-or-die” approach to election matters.
“The APC has it on good authority that the PDP youths are easily moved to action once they hear the slogan. It is an indication that the PDP candidate and leaders are very desperate for power.
Kalejaye said, “This seeming desperation in the camp of the PDP flag bearer induces the party thugs to go wild, and destroy anything in sight. So many innocent people have fallen victims, in the last one week, and vehicles destroyed because they display Akeredolu stickers.”
The party urged the leaders of PDP to further educate their followers to exhibit better conducts ahead of Saturday’s election.
Kalejaye was optimistic that the APC would emerge victorious in the gubernatorial election, “because all the active political actors in the State, from Prof. Ajayi Borroffice, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, to Chief Olusola Oke, are all committed to the reelection bid of Akeredolu.”
“Our concern is to ensure we record a credible process that will be a source of pride to the Sunshine State “, he added.
The party insisted that no member of the APC has been indicted for campaign violence, and further urged its members to tread the part of honour and maturity throughout the electioneering campaigns.