The former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Kennedy Peretei, on Thursday, explained that lack of purposeful leadership and deep internal crisis within PDP compelled him and others to leave PDP to join the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Speaking during his official defection in Akure, Ondo state capital, Peretei said that the decision by his group to join APC was borne out of the need to be part of a focused and coordinated political structure capable of winning elections and driving real development in Ondo State.
Peretei maintained that their decision was informed by the failure of opposition parties to provide credible leadership, strategic direction, and coordinated efforts capable of winning elections and forming government.
‘Politics is about who gets what, when and how. If you are in politics and not in government, you are just in a social club.
‘When the leadership of the opposition is not deliberate, coordinated and focused on how to win elections and form government, there is no justification for remaining there.’
According to him, politics should be defined by purpose and results, not endless internal squabbles.
‘Let me take my reference from Harold Laswell’s definition of politics as ‘who gets what, when and how’. If you are in politics and not in government, you are just in a social club,’ Peretei said.
‘I do not mean Nigeria should be a one-party state, but when opposition parties lack deliberate, coordinated, and focused leadership, then there is no justification for remaining in such opposition.’
He said Nigeria Workstation – a grassroots media advocacy, research, and strategy group made up of former members of the PDP, SDP, and AA – decided to align with the ‘progressive family’ under the APC to advance the cause of development and inclusion.
Peretei noted that the defection marked the collapse of what he called ‘the last plank of opposition’ in the state, saying, ‘from today, there is only one party in Ondo State – the APC. Perhaps from the graveyard, there may be one or two shrill sounds, but they are mere echoes,’ he added.
The former PDP stalwart commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his leadership and open-door approach, saying the governor played a major role in making the unification possible.
He also appreciated the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, for welcoming the group into the party’s fold and ensuring a smooth transition.
Peretei further lauded the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whom he described as ‘the Rock of Gibraltar’ of the Tinubu administration, for his strategic guidance and encouragement that made the merger successful.
He said ‘The significance of today will be felt in the next round of elections. Our supporters across the state are ready to work for the continued success of the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’
He also expressed appreciation to Ambassador Sola Iji, Commissioner for Environment Dr. Tob Loko, and several other party leaders for their support and goodwill messages.
Earlier, the Minister of Interior, represented by Chief Muyiwa Asagunla, commended the defectors for making what he described as a bold and patriotic move, urging the people of Ondo State to unite behind President Tinubu’s administration.
Tunji-Ojo said, ‘With the ongoing dualisation of Ore-Akure, Ilesha-Akure-Benin, and Akure-Ado-Ekiti roads, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Ondo State is fast becoming a key beneficiary of federal infrastructure. We must sustain this development beyond 2027.’
In his remarks, APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who represented the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Aiyedatiwa, assured the new members of equal treatment within the party.
He noted that the APC remains committed to inclusive governance and that the defection was a major boost to the party’s strength ahead of future elections.
‘Our doors are wide open. This party is big enough to accommodate everyone willing to work for progress. Together, we will continue to build on the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President,’ Adetimehin said.
The event, which attracted hundreds of new members, party leaders, and grassroots supporters, was described by observers as one of the largest political realignments in the state in recent years.