The lone Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker in the Lagos State House, Mr Dipo Olorunrinu, representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Olorunrinu, who lost his re-election bid to APC candidate, Mrs Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, in March 9 House of Assembly election, in a statement he decided to join the APC based on the need to take Lagos State to the next level.
“I will like to appreciate Mr Speaker for his continuous act of service to my constituency. This explains the magnanimity of Mr Speaker.”
In the 2015 elections, the PDP won eight seats in the House, but seven defected leaving only Olorunrinu as the sole opposition in the house.
The seven lawmakers that defected from the PDP earlier included the Minority Leader, Mr Akeem Bello (Amuwo Odofin II), Minority Whip, Mrs Mosunmola Sangodara (Surulere II), and Mr Olusola Sokunle (Oshodi/Isolo I).
Others were Mr Jude Idimogu (Oshodi/Isolo II), Mr Dayo Famakinwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun II) Mr Fatai Oluwa (Ajeromi/Ifelodun I) and Mr Victor Akande (Ojo I)
“Sincerely, I said to myself that continuity as a young man in politics is a necessity. I said to myself that I must join the progressives’ party, which is the APC.” the statement said.
“Permit me to say this in this hallowed chamber that the PDP have been discovered by my humble self, as a party that is not to be reckoned with.
“Not to be reckon with because it is a party that lacks structure, it is a party that lacks visions for Nigeria of tomorrow.
“That’s the more reason why I said to myself that we must start from here and preach the good news of APC. I want to say a very big thank you to Mr Speaker for accepting me,” Olorunrinu said.
The speaker commended him for doing so and welcomed him to the party.
“I thank you for making the decision at last. We welcome you into our midst as members of APC in the House of Assembly.
“You have always been part of us save the fact that you refused to dump the leaking umbrella but today you have decided, I welcome you on behalf of our party.
“I want to thank you for lending your voice to what have been our position from quite sometime that the best party in Nigeria today is APC.
“So there is nothing to gain from PDP, for realising this, I congratulate you.
“Distinguished colleagues, we are now 40 members of APC. Thank you for joining us,”