Two PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC in Ondo Assembly, Ruling Party Tightens Grip

   Ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State House of Assembly further dwindled on Tuesday as two of its members, Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Afe, representing Akoko North-West Constituency II, and Mr. Agbulu, representing Akoko South-West Constituency II, tendered their resignation letters during plenary. The letters, read by the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeola, cited “irreconcilable differences” within the PDP as the reason for their departure.

Explaining his move, Mr. Afe said his decision followed extensive consultations with constituents and stakeholders, adding that the APC platform would provide him greater capacity to deliver dividends of democracy. Mr. Agbulu, on his part, described the APC as the most viable political vehicle to serve his constituency effectively, while thanking the PDP for past support.

With the latest defections, the APC now commands 24 of the 26 seats in the House, leaving the PDP with just two members.

Meanwhile, the Assembly called on the state executive council to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for its workforce, following a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State chapter.

Majority Leader Olatunji Oshati (APC/Ose) said other South-West states had already adopted the structure and urged staff to remain patient, assuring that lawmakers would push for a peaceful resolution. Speaker Olamide Oladiji echoed the appeal, commending staff patience while pledging that the legislature would engage Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to ensure CONLESS implementation, which he said would boost efficiency and capacity in the Assembly.

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