Former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel, on Youth and Sports, Raheem Ajayi has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also joined in defecting to APC were 50 other PDP leaders and members.
Ajayi popularly referred to as Baglo, said he and others had elected to team up with the APC following the party’s resolve to field an Ogun West man in the 2019 gubernatorial election.
They were received into the party by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Tolu Odebiyi and Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekumbi, in an elaborate event at the Imasayi wards of the defectors in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State last Friday.
Ajayi who lamented that no Yewa – Awori person has been elected Governor of the state since its creation, 42 Years ago, said it’s reassuring that APC is determined to help the zone break the jinx in 2019.
“My primary aim of getting involved in political process especially in Ogun State is to better the lots of my people. Part of which is getting one of us, a Yewa-Awori man elected the Governor of the State.
“The Party that that has assured us of that is the APC, especially when my former party has demonstrated otherwise.
”It has become not only expedient but imperative at this very critical time of our life as a people to support such a party which will make our 42 year political struggle a reality.
“Since the creation of our dear state, no one from Ogun West has been elected Governor whereas Ogun East and Central have produced two Governors each at different times. APC has decided to zone the governorship slot to Ogun west, that’s why I am joining the party,” Ajayi said.
He hailed Amosun for his achievements, saying the Governor had redefined governance in Ogun State as well as open support for the actualization of Ogun West 2019 governorship agenda.
”It is glaringly obvious for everyone the success recorded in the state under the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun. He has redefined governance in our dear state.
“He has turned the state around in terms of legacy infrastructures, security of lives and properties and attraction of massive investments,” Ajayi said.
Also speaking, one of the leaders and a front line Second Republic Councillor, Chief TS Akinleye, lauded Amosun for the declaration of support for Yewa – Awori in 2019.
Chief Akinleye also added that they will support the candidate of the party as long as the person is from Ogun West.
In welcoming the new members, the Speaker Adekunbi noted that he was happy that Ajayi, a former student leader, was teaming up with APC to make Ogun West Governor a reality.
Also the Chief of staff to the Governor, Chief Odebiyi described the coming of Raheem Ajayi to APC as a proof that ‘Ogun west is going to the 2019 race with a united house’