Agboola Ajayi, Former PDP Guber Candidate in Ondo, Returns to APC

Agboola Ajayi, former deputy governor of Ondo state and the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the November 2024 governorship election, has returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ajayi formally rejoined the ruling party on Tuesday at Apoi ward 2, Kiribo, in Ese Odo LGA — his political stronghold.

He was received by Kolawole Babatunde, special adviser on legislative and party affairs, on behalf of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo.

The ex-deputy governor, who previously served under the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo, before defecting to the PDP in 2020, pledged full support for Aiyedatiwa’s “EASE” agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the move as a return to his original political home, enabling him to actively participate in the party’s affairs and contribute to progressive development in the state.

“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,” he said.

“Myself and the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, we have talked, we have abused ourselves, we did not really go into that abuse. We campaigned; at the time of the campaign, you cannot rule out blackmail and propaganda. But we look at it as yes, on those things it is bigger than all of us.

“And this is about the Nigeria project. We should come together to see how we can add value to the system. And particularly, I want to also commend Mr. President for the bold steps and the reforms that he has introduced to the country.

“He’s been able to establish and lay a solid foundation. No president will come and say he wants to come and cancel those policies again.”

APC leaders in Ondo say the development is a significant gain, with the state chairman describing Ajayi as a “political bulldozer” whose grassroots influence and experience would bolster the party’s position.

A “grand” reception is planned in Akure to formally welcome him before a wider gathering of party stakeholders and supporters.