The PDP Members in Idanre/Ifedore: Stands Firm– Hon. Akingbaso's Defection, Changes Nothing.* Dear loyal Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre/Ifedore and the general public.

 

Yesterday, dated the 31st of August, 2025– we addressed the recent defection of Hon.Akingbaso Olanrewaju Festus(Fessy-West) to the All Progressives Congress(APC), a move that has stirred mixed reactions in our communities. Reports confirm that Hon. Fessy-West officially decamped, with rented crowds in Ifedore to bolster his welcome, while Idanre greeted him with palpable disappointment. To our steadfast PDP members, we say: remain unshakable. Fessy-West’s departure is a processed event, and we have already moved forward. His exit does not weaken our resolve or our party’s dominance in Idanre/Ifedore. Let us set the record straight and reaffirm why the PDP remains the heartbeat of our people.

First, let us remind ourselves of a fundamental truth: it was the PDP that made Hon.Akingbaso O. Festus(Fessy-West), a Member of the House of Representatives (MHR), not the APC. The trust, votes, and unwavering support of our members in Idanre/Ifedore propelled him to that position. His decision to abandon the platform that elevated him reflects a lack of loyalty and commitment—whereas loyalty and commitment are the values that define the PDP and its members. Fessy-West’s move is not a testament to the APC’s strength but a revelation of his own priorities, driven by personal ambition rather than the collective good of our communities.

Let us not be swayed by the narrative that his defection was for the benefit of the people. This is a lie, a carefully crafted ploy to paint him as a victim of circumstance. The truth is clear: his move was rooted in selfish reasons– we see this in the actions of more than 100 PDP members in the House of Representatives who have remained loyal to our party, PDP and continue to thrive, delivering results for their constituencies without jumping ship. Fessy-West’s claim of acting for the greater good does not hold water when juxtaposed against the steadfast contributions of these loyalists. His defection is not a strategic masterstroke but a miscalculation that will prove inconsequential to the PDP’s enduring influence.

History offers us a lesson in the case of Hon. Small Alhaji, who similarly defected from the SDP and subsequently lost his seat in the House. This precedent serves as a stark reminder that abandoning a party who stood by you does not guarantee political success. Fessy-West’s belief that his move to the APC will amplify his influence is misguided. The PDP’s strength lies not in fleeting individual defections but in the collective loyalty of its members and the trust of the people. His exit does not diminish our party’s legacy or its future prospects in Idanre/Ifedore.

To our members, we emphasize the importance of loyalty and commitment—qualities Fessywest has forsaken. Loyalty to the PDP is not merely allegiance to a party; it is a commitment to the shared vision of progress, equity, and development that has defined our platform since its inception in 1998. As Chief Solomon Lar, our first elected chairman, noted, the PDP was founded to counter sectionalism and unite Nigerians for a better future. This vision continues to resonate in Idanre/Ifedore, where our grassroots base remains intact, and our structure stands unyielding. The PDP’s national spread and organizational strength, as highlighted by stakeholders like Olawepo-Hashim, ensure that our party remains the credible alternative to the APC, regardless of defections.

Fessywest’s rented crowds in Ifedore may create a spectacle, but the lukewarm reception in Idanre speaks volumes about the true sentiments of our people. The PDP’s dominance in Idanre/Ifedore is not built on transient displays but on the enduring trust of our communities. Our influence in Idanre/Ifedore remains as strong as ever. Defections like Fessywest’s do not erode this foundation; they merely highlight the contrast between opportunism and steadfast commitment.

We assure you that the PDP is moving forward with renewed vigor. Our focus remains on delivering for the people of Idanre/Ifedore, addressing their needs, and advancing our collective aspirations. Hon.Fessy-West’s defection is a footnote in our journey, not a chapter. We urge every PDP member to stay united, hold fast to our values, and continue the work of building a stronger, more prosperous Idanre/Ifedore. Let us channel our energies into supporting loyal leaders who prioritize our communities over personal gain.

 Defectors are often “political nomads” driven by self-interest. We are not discouraged by those who leave because the real strength of any party is not in a few powerful individuals, but in its people—and the people are still with the PDP.” Together, we will continue to uphold the PDP’s legacy as the party of the people, unshaken by defections and undeterred in our mission

Stay strong, stay loyal, and let us march forward as a PDP family of oneness in Idanre/Ifedore Federal constituency.

*Long Lives the PDP! Long Lives Idanre/Ifedore!*

Signed: 

*PDP Leadership, Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.*

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