Biodun Olujimi: PDP became torturous — Tinubu’s boldness inspired my defection to APC
Biodun Olujimi, former deputy governor of Ekiti and ex-senate minority leader, says her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was motivated by her belief in President Bola Tinubu’s ability to make and stand by tough decisions.
Speaking on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, Olujimi described her time in the PDP as painful and disappointing despite starting off on a good note.
“Well, the PDP journey was a very long journey. It was pleasurable at first, but then it became very torturous and very problematic,” she said.
“And so it was time to move on. It was time to re-energise. It was time to reorder priorities.”
Olujimi said she had always supported governments that made difficult policy decisions and stuck to them, rather than bowing to public pressure.
“I have always been a proponent of government taking very tough decisions and standing behind those tough decisions,” she said.
“What happened in the past was that governments will come, take tough decisions. The minute people start yelling, they dispense with those decisions. And as soon as they dispense with them, we go back to square one.
“This is the first time I will see a government take tough decisions, stand by it, and run with it. And that is the reason for which I have decided to pitch my tent.”
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced sweeping economic and social reforms, including the removal of fuel and education subsidies and the launch of the student loan scheme under NELFUND.
Olujimi believes these hard choices are gradually yielding results.
“All those tough decisions that we’re taking are yielding fruit gradually. And it’s easing up,” she said.
“And I believe that if all hands are on deck, and all competencies are brought to bear on what is on ground, the best will be given to Nigeria. And I know that President Bola Tinubu is doing that right now.”
When asked about her relationship with former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose, Olujimi said they remain aligned in their political vision.
“I think it’s perfect. What is important is that we’re working towards the same goal,” she added.
“And I think the goal is to get the president to continue with his good works and ensure that a second time is given to him so that he can complete whatever he has started.
“And that the governor of Ekiti should also continue the good works and the humility and extreme commitment he has to Ekiti state. I believe if both of us can achieve that, then we would have done well.”
She added that her defection to the APC was not about personal ambition.
