Leaders of Accord Party in Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency of Oyo State has said that the party remained a formidable force in spite of Chief Ademola Ojo’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This is contained in a communique issued after a meeting of the party leaders and made available to newsmen on Monday in Ibadan.
The leaders had met on Sunday at Mr Samuel Oketoobo residence in Tapa area of Ibarapa North Local Government following the defection of Ojo to PDP.
It would be recalled that Ojo, the Accord Party House of Representatives Candidate in the constituency was on Friday, appointed by Gov. Seyi Makinde as his Deputy Chief of Staff.
The leaders after extensive deliberations, resolved that party in Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency remained strong, unshaken and popular in spite of Ojo’s defection.
They said that majority of Ojo’s loyalists did not move with him to PDP, saying efforts was in top gear to replace Ojo with a more credible, popular and qualified personality.
The leaders said that a new candidate would be unveiled in no distant time, promising to work for the success of all the party’s candidates at all levels in the 2023 general elections.
They appealed to all members in the constituency to remain calm, law abiding and be more committed to the ideals of the party.
In attendance were Oketoobo, the Federal Constituency Leader, Hon. Fatai Salau, former Commissioner for Special Duties and Alhaji Habib Ibrahim, former Chairman, Ibarapa Central Local Government.
Also present were Mr Biyi Okediran, former Chairman, Ibarapa North Local Government, Mr Tunji Omolewu, former Caretaker Chairman, Ibarapa North Local Government, Alhaji Yekeen Ayonitemi and Mr Rasheed Okunlola.
Others are Olayemi Adejumo, Ademola Sangotikun, Azeez Yusuf, Yinusa Oguntowo Evang. David Babatunde, Alhaji Tajudeen Gbolagade, Ramoni Bello, Suraj Adegbite, Ojebode Anifalaje, Mrs Shade Mufutau Shade and Alh. Najeem Azeez.