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As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopefuls, Eyitayo Jegede and Chief Agboola Ajayi, have officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling a major political shift in Ondo State.
Their defection is part of a growing national coalition aimed at mounting a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The movement, which is rapidly gaining traction across Ondo State and beyond, has attracted several prominent figures. Among them are former Senator Nicholas Tofowomo (Ondo South), ex-House of Representatives member Prof. Bode Ayorinde, past PDP State Chairman Tola Alabere, and former PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei—all of whom have now aligned with the ADC.
At the formal unveiling of the coalition’s Ondo State arm, Prof. Ayorinde, who now serves as the state coordinator, described the political movement as organic and rapidly expanding.
“All local government areas are already part of this project. We are witnessing steady growth daily, and it is not driven by money.
This is a movement rooted in the people,” he declared. He added that ADC membership cards would soon be issued at both ward and LGA levels to further consolidate their reach.
Ayorinde emphasised the coalition’s commitment to becoming a credible political force as the 2025 governorship race approaches.
“We began with only 25 committed individuals. Today, we are over 300 strong.
“This surge reflects the public’s frustration with the current system and their hunger for genuine transformation,” he stated.
He also made it clear that he has no interest in contesting for political office.
Also speaking at the event, Kennedy Peretei highlighted the coalition’s emergence as a timely reaction to widespread dissatisfaction with the existing political order.
“This movement isn’t about personalities, it’s about the demand for a new political trajectory,” he said.
According to him, PDP structures in at least two local councils have now fully integrated into the ADC, effectively wiping out the PDP’s presence in those areas.
Peretei further pointed to ongoing internal conflicts within the APC, saying the coalition is ready to take advantage of the instability.
“There’s growing unrest in the APC. We are well-prepared to channel that discontent and offer Nigerians a real choice,” he affirmed.
“The dominance of one party is coming to an end. What’s coming next will reshape Nigeria’s political future.”