Obanikoro dumps PDP for APC with his associates

In a carnival-like atmosphere at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos Island, Lagos State, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on Saturday officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.
Others who defected with him included former presidential aide Modupe Sasore, Prince Kola Balogun, Hon. Kamal Olorunoje, Kayode Ba Wallah, Ayo Woddel, Hon. Fariu Arebi, Prince Michael Oyebola, Jide Ladehinde and Olayinka Sotade.
Though the National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was absent at the event, he was represented by the National Vice Chairman of the party in the South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure.
The Lagos State Chairman of the APC, Henry Ajomale, and other state executive members, who received him, described Obanikoro as a big fish.
Obanikoro, who described his defection as homecoming, said: “At this stage of my life, it is important for me to return to my original base and be part of the giant strides that has been achieved in Lagos State which would not have been possible but for the wisdom and sagacity of the architect of our modern democracy, my indefatigable Oga, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“Politics is based and premised on ideologies and powered by interests. I am a progressive and my inalienable conviction about leadership is the need to identify with the yearnings of my people. I am a very proud son of Lagos and I will always do my best to support and fortify any efforts, social, economic or political that is directed at repositioning my home state for more development and prosperity.
“My political voyage started from this association and I am proud to have learnt under our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo is the greatest politician of all time and I make bold to say this that the greatest politician of our time is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Today, with thousands of my followers, I rededicate myself to the progress and prosperity of Lagos.”
Ajomale said the return of the former minister, ambassador, commissioner and council chairman is a return to his natural habitat and the party is pleased to welcome one of its own who started the race with other progressives during the days of the Alliance of Democracy.
The event was witnessed by other dignitaries of the party, including Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Femi Pedro, and Hon. James Faleke.
Popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde, was at the event and added spice and vibe with his many renditions of Obanikoro to the admiration of the mammoth crowd.