Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajayi, who served under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, rejoined the APC on Tuesday at his ward in Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, located in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the event, Ajayi explained that his decision to return to the party was motivated by his desire to add value to the APC and support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election. He also highlighted the importance of backing the EASE Agenda of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The former deputy governor described his return as a reaffirmation of his full membership in the APC, stating that it would allow him to actively participate in the party’s affairs.
Ajayi further drew a parallel between his political reconciliation and international political examples, citing the historic political cooperation between Kenyan leaders Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta, who set aside their differences for the greater good of their country.
“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 said.
He also commended President Tinubu for the bold steps and economic reforms he has introduced, which Ajayi believes will lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future growth. “After his eight years in office, we will commend him and say that yes, Nigeria is better than how he made it,” Ajayi remarked.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, welcomed Ajayi’s return, describing it as a significant boost to the APC in Ondo State. He emphasized that Ajayi’s political experience and grassroots appeal would strengthen the party as it heads into future elections.
Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, also praised Ajayi as a “political bulldozer” with an extensive knowledge of the state’s political landscape. “With his return, our party is stronger and more united,” Adetimehin said, expressing confidence that the APC would secure a landslide victory in the 2027 elections.
