Ondo State witnessed a major political shake on Thursday 30th October, as the entire structure of the Action Alliance (AA) officially collapsed into the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most defining realignments in the state’s recent political history.
The grand defection rally, organized by the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT) under the sponsorship of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, was held at First Molac Hotel, Akure, and drew a massive turnout of party leaders, political stakeholders, and enthusiastic supporters from across the state.
Representing Dr. Tunji-Ojo at the epoch-making event, Hon. Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla, Director General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), delivered the Minister’s goodwill message and commended his transformational leadership and impeccable record of service, from his time as a lawmaker representing Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency to his current position as Minister of Interior. He noted that Tunji-Ojo’s exemplary performance and loyalty to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda have brought pride and visibility to Ondo State at the national level.
The rally also spotlighted Ondo State’s renewed prominence under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which currently has two of its sons serving as cabinet ministers, an unprecedented political gain for the state. Attendees applauded major federal interventions such as the Akure–Ore Road and the Akure–Ado Road projects, describing them as clear evidence of the President’s developmental focus on the South West.
Adding glamour and spirit to the event, the APC Women Wing led by Hon. Atinuke Akadri lit up the atmosphere with captivating songs and chants celebrating the APC, President Tinubu, and Dr. Tunji-Ojo. Their performance charged the crowd, turning the rally into a celebration of unity, strength, and renewed hope.
Leading the defectors, Hon. Fred Akinluli, former Action Alliance State Chairman and governorship candidate, declared that their decision to join the APC was inspired by President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and the unmatched political capacity of Dr. Tunji-Ojo. He described the moment as historic, adding that it was his first-ever defection in two decades of political participation.
Akinluli expressed gratitude to Dr. Tunji-Ojo for approving his appointment as Deputy Director General of the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT), promising to mobilize massively across the 18 local government areas to secure overwhelming support for the APC in upcoming elections.
Receiving the defectors, APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, commended the courage of the new entrants and assured them of equal opportunities within the party. He encouraged them to register at their ward levels and begin grassroots mobilization immediately. Adetimehin emphasized that the APC remains a disciplined, forward-thinking party that values loyalty, performance, and unity.
He further hailed President Tinubu for his economic and infrastructural interventions, noting that his consistent financial support to state governments has empowered governors to deliver effectively on governance.
In his closing remarks, Pastor Olumide Obadele, Director General of the Progressives Network for Tinubu, expressed immense joy over the success of the event and appreciation to all party leaders and stakeholders for their support. He thanked the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to unity within the party. Obadele described the day as a victory for progressive politics and a testament to the growing strength of the PNT under the inspiration of Dr. Tunji-Ojo.
The event was a resounding success, an impressive demonstration of organizational strength and political coordination. The massive turnout reflected the growing influence of Dr. Tunji-Ojo and the PNT movement across the state's political landscape.
Notable APC leaders in attendance included Chief Agboola Kelly, Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, Hon. Dayo Awude, Hon. Atinuke Akadri, and Hon. Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla. Others such as Ambassador Sola Iji, Hon. Oladunni Odu, and Pastor Femi Agagu were unavoidably absent due to official assignments.
The Action Alliance contingent was led by Hon. Fred Akinluli and included Festus Oluwasegun Oke, Chief Solomon Akintunde, Mrs. Osunsade, Chief Alimi Sule, and Gbenga Ilesanmi, alongside all local government executives, ward leaders and hundreds of members, who moved en masse into the APC.
The defection of the entire Action Alliance structure into the All Progressives Congress marks a historic political realignment in Ondo State, further consolidating the dominance of the ruling party. It also reaffirms the growing influence of Hon. Dr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT) as a formidable political force shaping the future of progressive politics in Ondo State and beyond.
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