Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Agboola Ajayi,<\/strong> has formally returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).<\/p>\n Abia Radio News<\/strong> reports that Ajayi, who served as deputy governor under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu<\/strong>, rejoined the ruling party on Tuesday at Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement\n<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n 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 <\/a>in the 2027 general election.<\/p>\n He explained that the move was also informed by the need to support the EASE Agenda of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa <\/strong>and Tinubu\u2019s Renewed Hope Agenda.<\/p>\n According to him, rejoining the APC reaffirmed his full membership of the party and would allow him to participate actively in its affairs.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 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,\u201d<\/em> he said.<\/p>\n Citing Kenya as an example, Ajayi added, \u201cWe 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\u2019s exactly what I\u2019ve done today.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement\n<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n The former deputy governor admitted that political rivalry characterised the last election cycle but said reconciliation was necessary for progress.<\/p>\n \u201cMyself 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,<\/em>\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd this is about the Nigeria project. We should come together to see how we can add value to the system.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement\n<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Ajayi also commended President Tinubu <\/a>for what he described as bold economic reforms, saying the policies had laid a solid foundation for Nigeria\u2019s future.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been able to establish and lay a solid foundation. No president will come and say he wants to cancel those policies again,\u201d <\/em>he said.<\/p>\n