Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed the key reason behind the recent wave of defections by opposition governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the governor, the performance and reforms of President Bola Tinubu since assuming office have made the ruling party more attractive, drawing in politicians from opposition parties across the country.
Aiyedatiwa made this known on Monday while addressing party members and residents during a visit to Oke-Agbe, the headquarters of Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He was warmly received by traditional rulers, community leaders, and APC supporters who turned out in large numbers.
The governor praised the people of Ondo State for their continued support for the APC at both the state and federal levels. He noted that the party currently controls all elective political positions in the state, including the State House of Assembly, following successive electoral victories.
He explained that the growing strength of the APC nationwide is closely linked to what he described as visible achievements under President Tinubu’s administration.
Gov Aiyedatiwa said these achievements have convinced several opposition figures, including governors and lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to align with the ruling party.
“I am here to greet you and thank you. Some people say politicians do not return after elections. I have no election now. I only came to appreciate you all for your support of my administration,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He added that the APC’s dominance in Ondo State was a reflection of the trust reposed in the party by the electorate, stressing that the party had won elections in all local government areas and now enjoys full legislative control in the state.
“This party has recorded victories in all local government areas of the state and now has full control of the State House of Assembly,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa further attributed the influx of opposition politicians to the APC to the infrastructural and economic reforms initiated by President Tinubu, noting that these reforms are beginning to yield tangible results across different regions of the country.
“The APC’s growing strength and infrastructural development across the country are a result of the reforms of President Tinubu, and the impact of these reforms has attracted governors from other political parties to the APC,” he said.
The governor also revealed that his visit was an opportunity to inform party members at the grassroots of a major decision taken by the APC leadership at both national and state levels regarding the 2027 general election.
According to him, President Tinubu has been adopted as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential contest, a move he said was based on the administration’s performance so far.
He pointed to specific projects in Ondo State as evidence of the benefits of Tinubu’s reforms, citing the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare–Akungba Road as a major development boosting economic activities in the Akoko axis of the state.
Aiyedatiwa also used the occasion to call for unity among APC members, warning that internal conflicts could undermine the party’s progress ahead of future elections.
He urged party leaders and supporters to embrace tolerance and cooperation, stressing that disagreements were inevitable in politics but must be handled maturely.
“There will be no fight at the party. We will resolve all issues through dialogue, and everyone will be satisfied,” he assured.
However, APC has, in recent months, welcomed several high-profile defectors from opposition parties, a trend party leaders say signals growing confidence in the Tinubu administration as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.