Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 23/Mar 18:17

'Thank you visit': Kolawole Babatunde receives APC leaders in Akoko

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akoko South East Local Government has strengthened its grassroots presence with a series of political engagements, community visits, and high-profile defections from opposition parties.A delegation of leaders from Ipesi-Akoko recently visited Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to express appreciation for the appointment of Hon. Ojumu Benjamin as the Vice Chairman of Akoko South East Local Government. The delegation included traditional and political leaders such as Chief S.O. Ojumu, Chief Obamacare Ayekulehin, High Chief Olodeakara of Isalu, Chief Omiare of Iyara Land, High Chief Olootota, Chief Gabriel Adeleke, High Chief M.B. Olowo, Prince Ajibola Lovely, and Hon. Katola Kayode, Chairman of the Abe Igi Youth Parliament in Alagbaka, Akure. As a token of gratitude, the delegation presented an enlarged portrait of Hon. Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde.In a separate event, Hon. Babatunde attended the burial of Chief (Mrs.) Obafemi, the mother of an APC chieftain, at Isua. He was accompanied by key party stakeholders, including former Akoko South East Chairman, Hon. Bakare Samuel Segun; former Supervisor, Hon. Reuben Oguntoye; Hon. Ojumu; Hon. (Mrs.) Oguntoye; Hon. Benson; Hon. Elerewe Ebenezer; APC Ward Chairmen’s Forum Chairman, Mr. John Adeyemi; APC Ward 3 Chairman, Hon. Dotun Felix Agesin; and Akoko South East APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ayedogbon Ayodele. Also present were members of the Kola Grassroots Network (KGN) Women’s Wing, led by Hon. (Mrs.) Mabel Akinyemi.The APC also recorded a significant boost as several opposition members defected to the party at a reception held in Ipesi-Akoko to celebrate Hon. Ojumu’s swearing-in.Represented by Hon. (Elder) Olofin Ahmed, Chairman of Kola Grassroots Network (KGN), Hon. Babatunde formally welcomed the defectors. Among them were Hon. Olajide Atofarati, a former Supervisory Councillor and ex-Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akoko South East, and Mr. Ogedengbe Dele, a former Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Councilorship candidate in the January 18, 2025, Local Government Elections.The defectors cited the developmental strides of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the leadership qualities of Hon. Ojumu as their reasons for joining the APC. Party leaders described the development as a testament to the party’s growing influence at the grassroots level, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive governance and community development.The event was marked by celebrations as APC stakeholders welcomed the new members, emphasizing the party’s dedication to grassroots inclusivity and political expansion.