By VICTOR ADEOTI

Rep. Lasun Yusuff, the immediate past Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, on Thursday defected to the Labour Party (LP) to enable him contest the July 16 governorship election.

Yusuff, who announced his defection at a labour party meeting in Osogbo, was immediately affirmed by the party as its governorship candidate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yusuff resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 25.

NAN also reports that Yusuff contested the APC Governorship election primary against Gov. Gboyega Oyetola on Feb. 19 but lost.

During the direct primary, Yusuff scored 460 votes, while Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the preferred candidate of the Minister of Interior and former Governor in Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, scored 12,921.

Speaking after his affirmation, Yusuff said his coming to the Labour Party would herald industrial development, extensive Agricultural Development, good health, exploitation of mineral resources and good education.

“If I emerge victorious, my administration will focus on subsidising education, farming, infrastructure, health and exploitation of mineral resources for the citizens,” he said.

He commended the leadership of the Party for giving him the opportunity to pick the ticket and he assured that his administration will be masses friendly.

Yusuff also picked Mr. Adeola Atanda, an indigene of Iwo, as his running materials. (NAN)