by Godwin Akanfe

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has set up a nine-man committee to liaise with the national leadership of the party to persuade and ensure that Gov. Olusegun Mimiko defected to the PDP.

A chieftain of the PDP and Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye, disclosed to this to newsmen in Ondo State on Sunday.
Elegbeleye said the party’s relationship with Mimiko and his people would start immediately after he had declared formally for the PDP.

He expressed the hope that the governor’s declaration would come after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Labour Party slated within the week.

The NSC director-general expressed optimism that the defection of Mimiko and his political machinery to the PDP would be a blessing and advantage to the party.

“Once the governor and his team move to the PDP, it will make things easier for the PDP because elections in recent time in the state have always been between the LP and the PDP.

“The focus now is on the 2015 national, state assemblies and presidential elections but my main concern is the presidential election because of my loyalty to the president.

“I am quite confident that President Goodluck Jonathan will win the election in the entire South West and other parts of the country due to the structure on ground,” Elegbeleye said.

He said the presidential election was different from other elections and the issue of regionalism would have no place.

Sola