The only member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 40-member Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Dipo Olounrinu has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmaker also apologized for defecting late to APC as he announced his defection more than two years after seven of his colleagues, who were elected in 2015 on the platform of PDP had joined the ruling party.
Olorunrinu, who represents Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I in the House, had lost re-election bid to APC candidate, Mrsm Mojisola Alli-Macaulay in March 9 house of assembly election with just 278 votes.
He did not however, challenge the result at the election tribunal.
The lawmaker informed the House of his defection at plenary through a letter titled: “Letter of Defection from PDP to APC” which he addressed to the Speaker, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa and read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Azeez Sanni.
The letter read in part: “I have been a young progressive-minded person and I have decided to realign with All Progressives Congress (APC) based on moving trend and party to reckon with in taking 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.”
Speaking further, Olorunrinu said: “In 2015, we were eight and seven of us have defected but in all sincerity, I made bold to say here that, I have never had any regret of still finding myself in the midst of this great administration.
“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.
“Permit me to say this in this hallowed chamber that the Peoples Democratic Party have been discovered by my humble self, as a party that is not to be reckoned with.
“Not to be reckoned 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.
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