PDP suffers setback as strong member, Hon. Agunbiade Babatunde defects to APC in Alimosho, Lagos

Hon. Babatunde Agunbiade defected to APC at a rally in Lagos

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Alimosho faced a significant blow as Honorable Babatunde Agunbiade, a prominent member and former contender for the House of Representatives, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This political shift has ignited discussions within the political landscape of Alimosho, Lagos, raising questions in political quarters.

 A rally to mark his defection, held on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, witnessed the presence of Agunbiade's supporters, party faithful, and leaders of the Alimosho APC.

In his address at the rally, Hon. Agunbiade cited the country's best interests and his supporters' yearnings as the primary motivation for his decision to switch allegiance. He expressed dissatisfaction with the PDP's leadership and lack of direction, emphasizing his belief in the APC's commitment to national unity. Further explaining his decision, Agunbiade highlighted the APC's presentation of a presidential candidate from a different region other than that of the former president unlike the PDP which presented a candidate from the same region, demonstrating an inclusive approach to governance.

Acknowledging his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Agunbiade expressed his approval of the APC's efforts towards unifying Nigeria, referencing the appointment of individuals from opposing political parties at the federal level. These factors ultimately influenced his decision to join the APC, a party he believes has the nation's best interests at heart and is on the path to a greater Nigeria.

 

Hon. Bisi Yusuf (R) with Hon. Agunbiade at the event

Hon. Bisi Yusuf, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and a key figure in Alimosho's APC, welcomed and congratulated Agunbiade, recognizing his defection as a significant gain for the party and its leadership in the region. Hon. Opeyemi Adunni Akindele, the chairman of APC in Mosan Okunola LCDA, formally welcomed Agunbiade to the APC by presenting him with the party symbols, marking the symbolic transition from PDP to APC.

 

Hon. Opeyemi Akindele presenting the symbol of APC to the new member

While speaking with Abesan News, Alimosho Standard, and other media outfits at the rally, Agunbiade reflected on his political history with the PDP, stating that despite contesting on the platform of the PDP in the 2016, 2019, and 2023 elections, he now acknowledges the APC as the party that truly prioritizes the welfare of the people and effectively manages their affairs.

 

Hon. Agunbiade arrived at the rally with his supporters

The rally celebrating Agunbiade's move to the APC traversed different parts of Alimosho, generating excitement and jubilation amongst the local community.

Notable leaders of the APC present at the rally which was held in Alimosho, Lagos, include the representative of the chairman of APC in Lagos, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, Hon. Opeyemi Adunni Akindele, Alhaji Abiodun Ejigbadero, Hon. Yekini Akinolu, and several other party figures.

 

The defection of Honorable Babatunde Agunbiade signifies a substantial shift in the local political landscape, sparking discussions about party loyalty and the ideological principles guiding such alliances. As the 2023 political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Agunbiade's move and the responses it elicits will undoubtedly influence the political narrative in Alimosho and beyond.