More than 100 members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have renounced their party affiliation in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Aggrieved members of the ruling party have now joined the Labor Party (LP).
The campers were received at the LP by the state executive headed by its president, Michael Asade, and the LP candidate in the Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Tolulope Philips, in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Speaking after receiving the Labor Party flag, a leader of the decampes, Ajibola Olowogbola, said that “the APC did not meet our hopes and expectations, hence the determination to seek better treatment elsewhere.”
He explained that they joined the party because they believe that the Labor Party would give them the dividends of democracy, stressing that they made a decision after meeting with the party’s candidate in Abeokuta South.
His words: “We joined the Labor Party for Tolulope Philip. He is trustworthy. We trust the Labor Party and that’s why we joined the party, we believe we will reap dividends from democracy.”
However, he urged the party leadership to ensure that they are granted their rights.
Welcoming the former champions, Ashade said that LP is a family and the well-being of each member is paramount to the party’s leadership.
“The Labor Party is a family party and we are united as one. We are happy to welcome you to our fold. We need a party that brings us together as a family and that is what we stand for,” he said.
Ashade therefore assured the campers the same treatment as those they met at the party.
LP’s Abeokuta South federal constituency candidate Philip, in his remarks, expressed his satisfaction at welcoming more people to the party.
Philip, who described himself as a people-oriented person, said the drop-outs will get another chance at life in the Labor Party.
He wondered why the government at all levels did not provide basic services for the people, saying he will always sit down with the people to learn about their challenges, if elected.
His words: “I am happy that you join us. I’ll sit with you and know what you want. I am not a politician, but a person who loves people and will make them happy.
“It is about time we played people-oriented politics. I assure you that I will not abandon you.
“People are not voting for the party this time, it is the personality. I wonder why our government can’t provide basic services to the people. I assure you that the Labor Party will deliver if you vote for us.”
