Ondo Assembly Welcomes Two PDP Lawmakers into APC

The Ondo State House of Assembly has officially received two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the ruling party’s dominance in the legislature.

At plenary on Tuesday, presided over by Speaker Chief Olamide Oladiji, the lawmakers—Barrister Felix Afe (Akoko North-West Constituency II) and Tope Agbulu (Akoko South-West Constituency II)—formally announced their defection, a move that reduced the PDP’s seats in the 26-member Assembly from four to two. Their letters of resignation and declaration were read by the Clerk, Barrister Jaiyeola Benjamin, and were greeted with enthusiasm by colleagues.

Both lawmakers cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP as their reason for leaving. Agbulu explained that his decision followed wide consultations with constituents, leaders, elders, women, and youths who encouraged him to join a more viable platform. “In line with the wishes of my people and my commitment to deliver more dividends of democracy, I officially announce my defection to the APC,” he declared, pledging to serve the development of his constituency, Ondo State, and Nigeria at large.

Similarly, Barrister Afe described his defection as the product of “deep personal reflection” and extensive consultations, blaming internal divisions within the PDP. He expressed gratitude to his former party for past support but reaffirmed his commitment to service, integrity, and accountability under the APC.

With their entry, the APC now controls 24 out of 26 seats in the Ondo Assembly, a development described by the caucus as a major boost to its majority.

Meanwhile, lawmakers also deliberated on the 21-day strike notice issued by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State Chapter. Raising the matter under urgent public importance, the Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, urged the government to adopt the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) already implemented in some states to enhance staff welfare and productivity.

The Majority Leader, Chief Olatunji Oshati, echoed the call for dialogue, stressing that peaceful engagement was the best approach to resolving disputes between Assembly leadership and staff.

In his ruling, Speaker Oladiji acknowledged PASAN’s grievances but appealed to the association to suspend its planned strike in the interest of the state. He assured that the House leadership had already opened talks with relevant authorities and was confident the issues would be addressed.

Oladiji reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce, emphasising that industrial harmony remains critical to legislative effectiveness.