Two PDP lawmakers defect to APC in Ondo Assembly

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday officially welcomed two lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), further consolidating the ruling party’s dominance in the legislature.

The defectors, Barrister Felix Afe (Akoko North-West Constituency II) and Tope Agbulu (Akoko South-West Constituency II), tendered their resignation letters from the PDP during plenary presided over by Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji. Their move reduces the PDP’s representation in the Assembly from four to two.

The Clerk of the House, Barrister Jaiyeola Benjamin, read their letters in which both lawmakers cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP as the reason for their defection.

Agbulu stated that his decision was informed by consultations with constituents, community leaders, women, and youths, who urged him to join a more viable platform to advance their interests.
“In line with the wishes of my people and my resolve to deliver more dividends of democracy, I hereby announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress,” he declared, pledging loyalty to his new party and commitment to the development of his constituency, Ondo State, and Nigeria.

On his part, Afe described his defection as a product of “deep personal reflection” and wide consultations. He acknowledged the support he enjoyed from the PDP but said internal divisions made it impossible for him to continue.
“I remain committed to service, integrity, and accountability while sustaining collaborative relationships in my political and professional journey,” he noted.

Reacting, the APC caucus in the House hailed the development as a major boost, pointing out that the ruling party now controls 24 out of the 26 seats in the Assembly.

Meanwhile, lawmakers also deliberated on the 21-day industrial action notice issued by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State Chapter. The matter, raised under urgent public importance, generated concern as members appealed for dialogue to avert a strike.

Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, urged the state government to adopt the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) already implemented in some states, saying it would enhance staff welfare and productivity. Majority Leader, Chief Olatunji Oshati, also stressed that dialogue remained the best approach, urging parliamentary workers to remain patient as efforts were underway to address their demands.

In his ruling, Speaker Oladiji acknowledged PASAN’s grievances but appealed to the union to suspend its planned strike in the interest of the state. He assured that the leadership of the House had opened discussions with relevant authorities to resolve the matter.

He further reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to staff welfare, noting that industrial harmony was crucial to the effective functioning of the legislature.