Two members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Afe, who represents Akoko North-West II, and Agbulu, representing Akoko South-West II, formally announced their defection in separate resignation letters read by the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeola, during plenary.
The lawmakers cited what they described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP as the reason for their departure from the opposition party.
Afe explained that his decision followed “wide consultation with constituents and stakeholders,” adding that the APC provided a more viable platform to deliver “dividends of democracy” to his people.
Similarly, Agbulu declared that the ruling party remained the “most credible political platform” to serve his constituency effectively. He, however, expressed gratitude to the PDP for its support during his time in the party.
With the defection, the APC now controls 24 out of 26 seats in the Assembly, leaving the PDP with only two.
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly intervened in the agitation of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State chapter, which had recently issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government over the non-implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS).
The Majority Leader, Olatunji Oshati (Ose/APC), described the matter as one of public interest, urging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to address the concerns of legislative staff.
He noted that other South-West states had already implemented CONLESS, adding: “We appeal to our staff to exercise patience while the Assembly engages the governor to resolve the issue peacefully.”
Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, also appealed for restraint, commending the patience of staff and assuring them of intervention.
“Implementing the salary structure will enhance capacity and efficiency. The Assembly leadership will continue to protect and defend the interest of staff,” Oladiji pledged.
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