By Our Correspondent
An old video featuring the late Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has resurfaced amid the ongoing wave of defections from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
In the video, which dates back to June 12, 2021, during the Democracy Day celebrations, Akeredolu expressed concern about the growing trend of politicians abandoning their parties to join the APC.
Akeredolu highlighted the importance of a robust opposition for the health of the political system, stating that strong opposition is crucial for keeping the government accountable.
He questioned the rationale behind the widespread defection to the APC, emphasizing that not everyone should join the ruling party as it could lead to a lack of necessary criticism and oversight.
He said in the video:
“We encourage good opposition, strong one. We cannot grow to want to have one party system. Doesn’t it make sense? And everybody today, you will just leave your party. I’m coming to this party. I’m coming to APC. Akeredolu will be very happy.
” Must everybody be in APC? We don’t have to. That is the only way. There must be criticism. Opposition that can be strong will put a government on its feet. But if everybody wants to belong to the ruling government, then we are finished. So you can just do whatever you like. So I want to say that for me, if the welfare of the people must be at the center of all government activities, then.”
The old footage has resurfaced at a time when the PDP in Ondo State is experiencing a mass exodus of members ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
Notably, 29 political associates of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko have recently defected to the APC. Among the defectors are former PDP Chairman Hon Ebenezer Alabi, ex-commissioners, and former members of the House of Representatives.
They have pledged their support for the current governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in his re-election bid.
In a statement, the defectors cited their decision as being driven by the desire to contribute to the development of Ondo State and to support the reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They criticized the current state of the PDP, claiming it is not positioned for victory either at the state or national level, and expressed their commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ondo State and Nigeria.
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