Yusuf Abdulateef, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State’s Odigbo council area, has officially defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing ongoing hardships under the current government as the primary reason for his decision.
In a statement issued in Akure, Abdulateef noted that, despite Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s attempts to persuade him to remain with the APC, the persistent requests from his supporters ultimately led him to switch parties.
He highlighted the discontent among farmers in the Odigbo communities, particularly regarding the appropriation and sale of their lands under the APC-led administration.
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Abdulateef stated, “I appreciate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for reaching out to me, which I honored. When we met, he inquired if I had truly left the APC, and I confirmed my departure.
“I explained that my decision stems from the current situation, especially the hardships faced by our people. They are suffering and expressing their dissatisfaction with the APC government, which has brought them nothing but distress. Farmers in Ore, within Odigbo Local Government, are particularly troubled by the destruction and confiscation of their lands.
“My followers, many of whom have voiced their concerns, can no longer endure the suffering inflicted by the APC. They urged me to switch parties, and when I asked where we should go, they recommended the PDP. This prompted our defection to the PDP last Saturday, along with over 12,000 of my supporters.
“Residents from Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Irele, Ilaje, and Okitipupa have also reached out, expressing their willingness to join us.”
Abdulateef expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his outreach but made it clear, stating, “I am now firmly with the PDP.”
He also commended the incoming governor, Agboola Ajayi, praising him as a truthful and humble leader. “During his time as deputy governor, he worked excellently with party leaders and traditional rulers, ensuring that both Muslims and Christians felt included,” he remarked.
Following his defection, Abdulateef has been appointed as the Chairman of Mobilization for the PDP in the Ondo South Senatorial District.