Sunshine Grassroots Network Leads Statewide Defection of 2016 Councillors to APC in Ondo
By Babatunde KUYE
The Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN) has led members of the Association of 2016 Councillors in Ondo State into the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a well-attended decamping event that further strengthens the party’s grassroots base across the state.
The event was attended by leaders of the Sunshine Grassroots Network, the APC Ondo State Chairman, Hon. Ade Adetimehin, the Southwest APC Youth Leader, Hon. Lawal Kolawole – Paff, Hon.Saka Yusuf, a former commissioner in Ondo State, and other party stakeholders.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the party, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Ade Adetimehin, described the defection as coming at a very auspicious time, as it coincides with the party’s ongoing membership registration exercise. He charged the new members to return to their respective wards and ensure they formally register and fully integrate into the party structure.
Hon. Adetimehin further commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as an excellent performance since assuming office. He highlighted several notable federal road projects across the Southwest, including those in Ondo State, the improving economic indicators, and the gradual crash in food prices as evidence of effective leadership. According to him, these achievements are clear signs that the Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding results, stressing that party members must work collectively to ensure the President’s re-election for a second term so that the good works can be sustained.
The APC Chairman also praised the leader of the Sunshine Grassroots Network, Hon. Dayo Awude, for his consistent grassroots mobilization. He noted that since Awude joined the APC, he has been a positive addition to the party, moving across the state to populate and strengthen the party’s base, thereby making the task of party leadership easier.
The association of 2016 councillors who defected to the APC comprises members drawn from wards across all the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, reflecting the growing acceptance of the party and the increasing influence of SGN at the grassroots.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Ayadi Feyisara from Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area said their decision to join the APC was motivated by the visible achievements of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as earlier highlighted by the party chairman. He added that they were particularly inspired by the performance of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), whom he described as a performing minister and the National Leader of the Sunshine Grassroots Network.
Hon. Ayadi reaffirmed the commitment of the defectors to work tirelessly for the re-election of President Tinubu, noting that continuity in leadership is necessary to consolidate and expand the gains already recorded under the current administration.
In his remarks, Hon. Dayo Awude, the Director General, Sunshine Grassroots Network, formally welcomed the defectors into the APC and the Sunshine Grassroots Network. He emphasized that SGN membership is exclusive to APC members and charged the new entrants to immediately return to their wards, identify with party structures, and actively participate in strengthening the party at the grassroots level.
7th January, 2026
