A member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Rasheed Kashamu, representing Ijebu-North I State Constituency, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kashamu announced his defection on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences, internal divisions and factional disputes within the PDP at both the state and national levels.
The lawmaker, who served as the Deputy Minority Whip of the House, formally communicated his decision in a letter read by the Speaker, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, during plenary at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
While reading the letter, Elemide said Kashamu officially notified the House of his resignation from the PDP and his decision to join the APC, attributing the move to persistent leadership crises and party polarisation.
According to the Speaker, Kashamu said his defection was driven by the need to align with progressive forces in the state in support of the development agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The lawmaker noted that the continued crises within the PDP had made it increasingly difficult for him and his supporters to remain in the party.
“After reviewing the current state of affairs of the PDP at the national level, characterised by factions and unresolved leadership disputes, I have, in consultation with my leaders and supporters, resolved to move to the APC,” Kashamu said.
He added that his decision was also aimed at supporting Governor Abiodun’s ISEYA agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kashamu disclosed that he formally joined the APC at his Oke-Sopen Ward in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-North Local Government Area, alongside supporters drawn from across his constituency.
The Speaker and other lawmakers welcomed Kashamu into the Assembly’s majority caucus. The event was witnessed by members of his family, political associates and well-wishers.
Meanwhile, the House also acknowledged a letter from Governor Abiodun seeking confirmation of Mr Abdul Najeem Olayinka as Auditor-General for Local Governments in the state, following the retirement of Mr Lamidi Mulero.
Elemide directed the nominee to appear before the House for screening on December 17 and to submit 30 copies of his curriculum vitae and credentials by 10:00 a.m. on December 16.
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