BREAKING: Former Ondo Deputy Gov, Agboola Ajayi Dumps PDP For APC

Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Agboola Ajayi, has formally returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abia Radio News reports that Ajayi, who served as deputy governor under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, rejoined the ruling party on Tuesday at Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the event, Ajayi said his decision to return to the APC was driven by his desire to add value to the party and to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

He explained that the move was also informed by the need to support the EASE Agenda of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, rejoining the APC reaffirmed his full membership of the party and would allow him to participate actively in its affairs.

Drawing from global political experiences, Ajayi said personal disagreements must give way to national interest, likening his return to political reconciliations witnessed in other democracies.

“In politics, there could be disagreements, campaigns, propaganda and blackmail, but at the end of the day, the bigger picture is the Nigeria project. We must come together to add value to the system,” he said.

Citing Kenya as an example, Ajayi added, “We all remember what happened in Kenya, where you have Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta. They fought and abused themselves, but later came together in the interest of their country. That’s exactly what I’ve done today.”

The former deputy governor admitted that political rivalry characterised the last election cycle but said reconciliation was necessary for progress.

“Myself and the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, we have talked. We campaigned, and at the time, you cannot rule out blackmail and propaganda. But the bigger picture is bigger than all of us,” he said.

“And this is about the Nigeria project. We should come together to see how we can add value to the system.”

Ajayi also commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, saying the policies had laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future.

“He’s been able to establish and lay a solid foundation. No president will come and say he wants to cancel those policies again,” he said.

“Anybody that comes after President Tinubu cannot remove these policies that give the government a very formidable economy and vibrant background.”

On security and governance, he added, “Yes, no country is free of crime. Nigeria is not exempted, but you can see the difference between now and three or four years back.”

Ajayi urged Ondo residents to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa to enable him deliver more dividends of democracy.

“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is doing his best. We should come around to support him so that we can all enjoy the facilities of government and contribute our quota,” he said.

Ajayi’s Return A Major Boost – Aiyedatiwa

Governor Aiyedatiwa described Ajayi’s return as a major boost for the APC in Ondo State.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, the governor said Ajayi’s experience, grassroots appeal and political weight would further strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

He noted that the development reflected growing confidence in the APC’s leadership at both state and federal levels and would enhance unity, mobilisation and effective delivery of party programmes.

Earlier, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, described Ajayi as a grassroots politician with deep knowledge of the state.

“Agboola Ajayi is a political bulldozer. He knows every nook and cranny of Ondo State. With his return, our party is stronger and more united,” Adetimehin said.

He added that with synergy and unity, the APC was well-positioned to secure massive victories for President Tinubu and other party candidates in the 2027 elections.