APC receives defectors, launches “Operation Reclaim Ekiti”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has launched “Operation Reclaim Ekiti” aimed at membership mobilization drive and sensitization of the electorate towards achieving victory at the next governorship election.

The APC Chairman in the state, Olajide Awe, flagged off the launch on Saturday in Okemesi Ekiti, in Ekiti West Local Government Area, where hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) members joined the party.

Among those who joined the APC from the PDP are the former Chairman of Ekiti West Local Government, Gbenga Ogunleye and former House of Assembly member, Ajibade Owolabi, who represented Ekiti West Constituency 2 between 2007 and 2011.


Awe was joined on the podium to receive the defectors by his deputy, Mrs. Kemi Olaleye; Secretary, Paul Omotoso; Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun and other members of the state party executive.

Ogunleye said he had no option than to take the “painful” decision of quitting PDP which he said had completely derailed from the dream of its founding fathers and the expectation of Ekiti people.

“In the last two years, I am like a fish without water. We have options, better options and it is a decision I have to take and I am happy that I have taken the decision to join the progressives”, Ogunleye said.

Owolabi regretted that the impact of the PDP government had not been felt in Okemesi unlike during the APC administration which he said executed life-changing projects for the people.


He said: “I am interested in the development of this community, I believe if the APC should come to power, this state is safe. We want to move along with the progressives because our people benefited more under the APC than the present PDP government.”

Awe said: “I congratulate all of you for leaving the locust party, never again shall we allow that party (PDP) to come to power again in Ekiti because out people in Ekiti have learnt their lesson.

“We are here to launch Operation Reclaim Ekiti from those presently destroying it, to send a strong signal that the APC is on ground. Our people have weighed both parties and they now know which one is better.

“We (APC) did our best, managed Ekiti better and gave our people the best but today, they have seen that ‘stomach infrastructure’ does not hold water again. By the grace of God, the APC is coming back to give our people good governance again and make life easier for them.”