Some members of the largest opposition party in Ondo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

The defectors dropped their APC membership card to join the rally held by the SDP at the party’s secretariat in Akure. They were handed SDP party cards afterward.

The former APC members say they were not treated fairly in the party.

Leader of the defectors, Femi Ikoyi, said they were a strong force in Ondo APC known as the People’s Democratic Movement, PDM.

He said more APC and PDP members have indicated interest to join SDP, to ensure victory for its candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye.

“I’m bringing my PDM people in APC to PDP. We know the SDP candidate is the favourite of Abuja.

“We aim to win the election. What APC is doing to us at the local level is not encouraging. This is why we are moving to SDP. I am here to deliver Akingboye,” he said.

While receiving the defectors, the Chairman of Ondo SDP, Gbenga Akinbunmi, assured them of equal treatment in the party.

Meanwhile, the state SDP governorship candidate congratulated the defectors for joining the party, promising to embark on inclusive governance if elected as governor.