PDP, LP, SDP LOSE MEMBERS TO APC AS FAYEMI CAMPAIGNS IN EMURE

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) suffered more setback in Ekiti State on Monday as more chieftains and members of the parties defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). They dumped their parties and pledged allegiance to the APC in Emure, headquarters of Emure Local Government Area when the campaign train of Governor Kayode Fayemi reached the town. The defectors include PDP candidate in the 2011 House of Assembly election, Mr. Ayo Boluwade; former LP Chairman in Emure LGA, Mr. Ayo Ajiboye, LP leader in Eporo Ward, Mr. Gabriel Omole and Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairman in the council area, Mr. Kolade Omotoso. The opposition chieftains who moved into the APC alongside their teeming supporters promised to work hard for the re-election of Fayemi whom they described as a governor who has performed wonders in Ekiti State. Fayemi at the rally predicted the downfall of the opposition in the June 21 gubernatorial election in the state. The APC candidate observed that with the rejection opposition political parties in the state are currently facing, it is certain that they are on a journey to nowhere. He urged voters to re-elect a government that has brought positive change to the state. fayemi said the people of the state have seen the difference between a progressive government and a retrogressive one. Apparently referring to the podium collapse witnessed at the rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose on Friday in Ifaki-Ekiti, Fayemi described the incident as the judgment of God. It would be recalled that the podium on which Fayose and other chieftains of his party were campaigning collapsed when the former governor was pouring invectives on the APC candidate and his government. The pandemonium that ensued after the podium collapse led to the abrupt end of the PDP rally which was being telecast live on a network channel. Addressing residents and party supporters in Oge-Ile community, Fayemi said:"You have always supported us and we are confident of victory on the election day through your votes. We are not for violence, we are not for fraud and we will not do anything that will disrupt the peace of our communities and our state. "We know that you will give us massive votes based on what we have done for you and you will reap many blessings in return. Cast your votes in favour of our party and be ready to protect your votes. "Nobody can intimidate you. Our opponents have been seeing the judgment of God, and that is the beginning of their fall". Other communities reached by the APC train include Eporo, Oge-Ile and Owode. Boluwade noted that Fayemi executed quality projects that have bearing on the lives of the populace and positively projected the image of the state. He said the people of Emure are ready to keep Fayemi in office for the good works being witnessed in the state to continue beyond 2014 assuring Fayemi of massive votes in the town. Ajiboye described Fayemi administration as the best in Ekiti saying policies like payment of monthly stipends to the aged and laptops for pupils in public schools are unprecedented in the history of the state. Omole said he and his supporters were attracted to the APC because Fayemi has bettered the lives of the people of the state through his people-oriented policies. Omole revealed that his father benefited from the monthly stipend paid to aged people by the Fayemi administration until his death, saying the governor has distinguished himself as a sincere lover of all Ekiti people irrespective of their political leanings. "The governor surprised us with his style of governance. We are all attracted by what he has done since he came to power in the state. "My father benefited from the monthly stipend paid to the aged till he died. This has shown that the governor cares for all Ekiti people not minding where they belong politically. "The governor recently upgraded school principals to Grade Level 17. He executed projects like school renovation, provision of boreholes and other infrastructure to rural communities and others. "We are joining the progressive party and we pledge to work hard to ensure his victory at the coming election", Omole said. Omotoso said he decided to quit SDP for APC to be part of Ekiti development urging the people of the state to show appreciation to Fayemi with their votes on June 21. Fayemi who expressed confidence on winning the election said the various projects executed in Emure have made life easier for the people. . He recalled the massive support he received in Emure at the 2007 election saying he would always appreciate the people of the community for their unflinching support. The governor said he was motivated to seek re- election to sustain the various life-changing policies of his administration. "This government wants progress for our people, vote APC and stand by your votes. We want peace, development and progress in Ekit and this can be guaranteed by our party", Fayemi said.