A senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Party in Ogun State, Deji Ashiru, and his supporters have dumped the party to support the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dapo Abiodun.
It was learnt from a party member that Ashiru, who was defeated in the senatorial election by the APC, planned to work for Abiodun, as political parties and candidates forge alliances ahead of the March 9 governorship election.
“Deji Ashiru, who contested under the Ogun East Senatorial District at the just concluded National Assembly elections believes the APC will form the next government in Ogun State,” the source added.
The ADC governorship candidate in Ogun, Gboyega Nasir, is considered one of the major contenders in the coming elections, having contested two times before now.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was reported to have endorsed him.
However, Ashiru and his followers are said to be rooting for the APC candidate in the belief that he had brighter chances to win the elections.
Ashiru, when initially contacted by The PUNCH, said he could neither confirm nor deny the report, adding that he would issue a statement on his position at the right time.
“As you know, there are a lot of political alliances going on. I don’t want to comment for now. But at the right time, I will issue a statement to declare my position,” he said.
While going to press, he confirmed his defection to our correspondent on the telephone.
The media aide of Abiodun, Ojo Emmanuel, said the party was happy to welcome the defector.
“We are happy to have him work with us. We believe he will help us. It is a welcome development,” he said.