A member representing Ijebu North State Constituency and former Minority Whip of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable differences and deep divisions within the party at both state and national levels.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide announced Kashamu’s defection on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday while reading a letter formally notifying the House of his resignation from the PDP and his decision to join the APC.
According to the Speaker, the lawmaker attributed his decision to persistent factional disputes at the national level and leadership tussles within the party in Ogun State.
In his letter, Kashamu said his defection was in line with the decision of his leaders and supporters in Ijebu North to align with progressive forces in the state and to support the policies and programmes of Governor Dapo Abiodun under the ISEYA Agenda, as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that after reviewing the unresolved crises rocking the PDP nationally and considering the mandate and support of his constituents in Ijebu North I, he resolved to move en masse with his supporters into the APC to strengthen the party and contribute to its success in the constituency.
Kashamu informed the House that he had officially joined the APC at his Oke-Sopen Ward in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area, alongside numerous supporters drawn from across the constituency.
His defection was formally acknowledged at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where his colleagues, led by the Speaker, welcomed him into the APC fold. His wife, uncle and other well-wishers were also present.
Meanwhile, the House also acknowledged a letter from Governor Dapo Abiodun requesting the confirmation of Mr. Abdul Najeem Olayinka as the new Auditor-General for Local Governments, following the retirement of the former Auditor-General, Mr. Lamidi Mulero.
The Speaker directed the nominee to appear before the House on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 noon, and to submit 30 copies each of his curriculum vitae and other relevant credentials.
