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Two Ondo lawmakers, Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, defected from PDP to APC.
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Their exit gives APC 24 of 26 Assembly seats, leaving PDP with two.
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Assembly urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to address PASAN’s salary structure demand.
Two members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, on Tuesday announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Afe, representing Akoko North-West II, and Agbulu, representing Akoko South-West II, disclosed their decision in separate resignation letters read by the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeola, during plenary.
The lawmakers cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP as the reason for their departure. Afe explained that his move followed “wide consultation with constituents and stakeholders,” adding that the APC offered a stronger platform to deliver the dividends of democracy to his people.
Agbulu echoed similar sentiments, describing the APC as “the most credible political platform” to serve his constituency effectively. He also expressed appreciation to the PDP for the support he received during his time with the opposition party.
With their defection, the APC now holds 24 out of the 26 seats in the Assembly, leaving the PDP with only two members.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has stepped into the ongoing agitation by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State chapter, which recently issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government over the non-implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS).
Raising the matter under public interest, the Majority Leader, Olatunji Oshati (Ose/APC), urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to act swiftly to address the concerns of the legislative staff. He pointed out that other South-West states had already implemented CONLESS and appealed for patience as the Assembly engages the governor to resolve the issue.
Speaker Olamide Oladiji also assured staff of the Assembly’s intervention, commending their restraint despite the delay. “Implementing the salary structure will enhance capacity and efficiency. The Assembly leadership will continue to protect and defend the interest of staff,” he stated.
