Former Ondo State Deputy Governor and Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the last election, Agboola Ajayi, has returned to the All Progressives Congress.
Ajayi, who served under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, formally rejoined the ruling party on Tuesday at Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing party members at the event, the former deputy governor said his decision to return was motivated by the desire to contribute to the APC’s growth and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He added that his return would enable him to back Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s EASE Agenda and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.
“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,” Ajayi stated.
Drawing parallels with political developments in Kenya, where former rivals Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta reconciled for national interest, Ajayi stressed that personal differences must be set aside for the greater good.
“Myself and the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, we have talked. We campaigned; at the time of the campaign, you cannot rule out blackmail and propaganda. But this is about the Nigeria project. We should come together to see how we can add value to the system,” he said.
Ajayi commended Tinubu for implementing what he described as bold economic reforms, arguing that the policies had established a solid foundation for sustainable national development.
“I want to believe with all our support, the president will transform the country. After his eight years in office, we will commend him and say that yes, Nigeria is better,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, described Ajayi’s return as a significant boost to the APC in Ondo State.
He said the former deputy governor’s experience and political influence would strengthen the party ahead of future elections, noting that the development reflected growing confidence in the APC’s leadership at both state and federal levels.
“This development will enhance unity, mobilisation and effective delivery of the party’s programmes across the state. We are confident that the APC will record a landslide victory in 2027,” Kolawole stated.
The Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, described Ajayi as a seasoned grassroots politician with deep knowledge of the state’s political terrain.
“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 noted that virtually all former political leaders in the state had now aligned with the APC, expressing confidence that the party was well-positioned to secure decisive victories in the 2027 elections.