A former Deputy Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Atobatele, on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises and lack of clear direction within the opposition party.
His defection followed earlier defection of a former member of the PDP from Ijebu-North, Rasheed Kashamu who defected to APC from PDP.
Announcing his defection, Atobatele, who represents Abeokuta South State Constituency I, disclosed his defection in a letter read during plenary by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide.
According to the letter, the lawmaker attributed his decision to “internal crises, leadership disputes and the absence of a clear ideological direction” within the PDP at both the national and state levels.
He stated that his move was guided by the interest of his constituents, stressing that his primary responsibility was to ensure that Abeokuta South Constituency I benefited from a stable and progressive political platform.
“As the representative of my constituency, my priority is to ensure that my people benefit from good governance.
Joining the APC will allow me to collaborate more effectively with the government and advance the development agenda of my constituency,” the letter read.
Responding, Elemide said he hoped that Atobatele’s stay in his new party would justify the reasons given for his defection.
He added that members of the House, regardless of political affiliation, remained united as one legislative family committed to harmony and the overall development of Ogun State.
In a related development, the Assembly also commiserated with British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and other affected families over a fatal road accident that claimed two lives along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, at Makun Junction.
The victims were identified as Joshua’s cousin and a friend, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The motion was raised under personal explanation by the lawmakers representing Sagamu I and II State Constituencies, Hon. Damilare Bello and Hon. Ademola Adeniran.
The House observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and expressed condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing Joshua and other survivors of the accident a speedy recovery.
Elemide also used the occasion to caution motorists to exercise restraint and vigilance on highways in order to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
Meanwhile, the Speaker commended lawmakers for the unity and cooperation that characterised legislative activities in the House throughout the year.
He also appreciated the management and staff of the Ogun State House of Assembly for their patience, solidarity and support.
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