Ondo 2012: 10,000 ACN, PDP members defect to LP

*Mimiko gets party ticket

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has ruled out discrimination of any form against latest defectors to the state’s ruling Labour party.

He made the pledge in Idanre  yesterday.

Over 10, 000 leaders and members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State   defected into the Labour Party.

Among the defectors are the former state publicity secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Barr. Gbenga Akinmoyo, Hon. Smart Aribigbola, Mr. Ademeso Apejo, Mr. Rotimi Akintelure, Mr. Tayo Aribigbola, Mr. Ayodele Raphael and Mr. Tope Aribigbola and  Mr. Oluwasiji Adelanke, Chief  Yiyo Ekun and Alhaja Onibia of  the  PDP.

They were received into the party by the  Deputy Chairman of  LP, Chief Dele Akinyele, who  led other party and government functionaries.

The defectors cited imposition, lack of focus in their former parties and the overwhelming performance of Mimiko in lifting the state from its former backward position to become the cynosure of eyes across Africa as the reason for their action.

Meanwhile, the governor  has emerged the Labour Party’s  candidate in the October 20 gubernatorial election in the state.

He emerged the party’s flagbearer unopposed after his major challenger, Ade Ogunjumelo, stepped down from the race to pave the way for the incumbent governor of the state at the primaries election held in Akure yesterday.

The withdrawal from the race via a letter to the party leadership by the only challenger and chartered accountant from Okitipupa local Government Area changed the scenario as he told the gathering that his action was as a result of his fervent belief in party supremacy.