By Our Correspondent

National News – The political landscape in Ogun State has shifted following the defection of six lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers, who are members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, confirmed their decision on Sunday, citing internal leadership disputes within the opposition party as the major reason behind their move.

The lawmakers who defected include Lukman Adeleye, the Minority Leader representing Odogbolu State Constituency; Bello Damilare of Sagamu Constituency I; Lawal Samsideen representing Ogun Waterside; Oluseun Samuel of Ijebu North East; Owode Waliu representing Ijebu East; and Dickson Kolawole of Remo North.

Their defection follows earlier exits by Atobatele Lukmon of Abeokuta South I and Rasheed Kashamu of Ijebu North I, who had previously joined the APC.

Speaking during a telephone interview, Adeleye explained that the decision was taken after careful consideration of the prolonged crisis affecting the PDP leadership.

According to him, the instability within the party had made it difficult for lawmakers to continue their political activities effectively under its platform.

He further stated that the lawmakers were also influenced by what they described as the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the developmental strides of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Adeleye said the lawmakers had supported the state government’s policies for nearly three years and believed joining the ruling party would strengthen their commitment to improving the welfare of residents.

“Our decision is based on the leadership direction at the national and state levels. We believe aligning with the APC will allow us to contribute more effectively to governance and development in Ogun State,” Adeleye said.

However, the move has sparked criticism from the state chapter of the PDP.

The party’s Secretary in Ogun State, Sunday Solarin, described the defection as a betrayal of the mandate given to the lawmakers by voters under the PDP platform.

Solarin argued that the lawmakers should have resigned their seats before leaving the party, insisting that their positions were secured through the PDP during the election.

He added that loyal party members would remain committed to rebuilding and strengthening the opposition party despite the setback.

The development marks another shift in Nigeria’s political landscape as parties realign ahead of future elections.