Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the last election, Agboola Ajayi, has returned to the All Progressives Congress.
Ajayi, who previously 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.
Speaking shortly after his return, Ajayi said the decision was motivated by his desire to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and to support the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
He also said his move was aimed at backing the EASE Agenda of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, his return signified a renewed commitment to the party and would allow him to participate fully in its activities and decision-making processes.
Ajayi noted that political differences should not be allowed to override national interest, drawing parallels with political reconciliations in other democracies where former rivals later worked together for the common good.
He said disagreements, intense campaigns and political rivalries were normal in democratic settings but stressed that such differences must give way to collective responsibility and unity when governance and national development were at stake.
The former deputy governor also commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, saying the policies had laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and long-term economic stability.
Ajayi added that while no nation was completely free of security challenges, there had been noticeable improvements in governance and economic direction, expressing confidence that the President would leave Nigeria better than he met it.
He further urged party members to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa, noting that collective support would strengthen governance and enhance development across the state.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Ajayi’s return as a significant boost to the APC in Ondo State.
The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, said Ajayi’s political experience, grassroots influence and wide network would further strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
He added that the development reflected growing confidence in the APC’s leadership at both the state and federal levels, expressing optimism that the party would achieve sweeping victories in the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, described Ajayi as a seasoned grassroots politician with deep understanding of the state’s political terrain.
He said the former deputy governor’s return had reinforced party unity, noting that the APC was now better positioned to secure massive electoral success for President Tinubu and other party candidates in the next general election.