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Two Ondo Lawmakers Dump LP For APC

October 23, 2014

State Chairman of the APC, Isaacs Kekemeke, said the two defected lawmakers have seen the light and appreciated their doggedness, adding that the party is ready to take over the governance of the state as from the next elections.

Two aggrieved lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Edema, representing Ilaje Constituency II, and Hon. Fola Olaseinde, representing Ose Constituency, on Tuesday, defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Their defection is coming few days after 23 of their colleagues at the parliament house decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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In their different prepared speeches, the duo cited the polarization of the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the main reason for their defection. They also said they were not comfortable with Governor Olusegun Mimiko in taking over the structure of the now crisis-breeding PDP.

According to them, they thought that the center of the LP and PDP in the state cannot longer hold thus mere anarchy is looming upon the two political parties hence the need for them to decamp to the APC.

In his speech, Hon. Gbenga Edema, who looked more confident and composed said: “It is with great pain that I announced today my departure from a party that has given me a great opportunity to represent my people from Mahin/Aheri/Etikan Kingdoms that is, the Ilaje State Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly.

“You would recall that on Wednesday 8th of October, twenty three (23) of my colleagues elected on the platform of the Labour Party announced their departure from the party for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the ground that the party, that is, the Labour Party, has been fragmented, fractionalized, divided and had become irremediable. Some even described the Labour Party as a sinking boat which could no longer lead anywhere.

“On this said date, I was the only Labour Party honourable member that stayed back and my excuse on that day was that I needed to consult with my constituency before I am able to determine my next line of action. I am delighted to announce to you that I have indeed consulted with all the stakeholders in constituency hence this parley” he declared.    

Edema added that he has come to join the APC and be part of the wind of change blowing over the country that would usher in progressive and purposeful governance.

Hon. Fola Olaseinde tagged her speech “My Walk to Freedom” and narrated her travails in the hands of fellow colleagues who sidelined her with the entitlements that belonged to her constituency.

“I am no longer intimidated or afraid having been pushed to the limits. I didn’t leave Labour Party but the party has left my consciousness.

“I will not be intimidated nor be bullied. I will not be pushed to the wall because already I have been pushed to the wall, but today, I am free," she hurriedly said.

Olaseinde added that she was a victim of gender and political bias in the assembly, adding that she would no longer feel intimidated since she has joined the APC.

State Chairman of the APC, Isaacs Kekemeke, said the two defected lawmakers have seen the light and appreciated their doggedness, adding that the party is ready to take over the governance of the state as from the next elections.

“The battle line has been drawn and the party would take over the seat of power starting from next year when elections into House of Assembly and National Assembly would take place."

Supporters of the two lawmakers said the defection of the two politicians was a welcome development.