Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the last election, Agboola Ajayi, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ajayi rejoined the APC on Tuesday at his ward, Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state, marking his formal return to the party where he once served as deputy governor under the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
Speaking during the event, Ajayi said his decision to return to the APC was driven by the need to add value to the party and contribute to national development. He said the move would also enable him to support the re election bid of Tinubu in 2027.
According to him, his return was informed by the need to back the EASE Agenda of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This decision reaffirms my full membership of the APC and gives me the opportunity to participate actively in the affairs of the party,” Ajayi said.
The former deputy governor explained that political disagreements should not be allowed to overshadow national interest, stressing that reconciliation was a common feature in mature democracies across the world.
“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.
Ajayi said despite past political differences between himself and Governor Aiyedatiwa, both leaders had resolved to move forward in the interest of the state and the country.
“At the time of the campaign, you cannot rule out propaganda. But we have come to realise that these things are bigger than all of us. This is about Nigeria and how we can strengthen the system,” he added.
He also commended Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, saying the policies had laid a solid foundation that future administrations would build upon.
“No president will come and say he wants to cancel these policies. They have created a strong and vibrant economic base for the country,” Ajayi said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, described Ajayi’s return as a major boost for the APC in Ondo State.
Kolawole said Ajayi’s experience, political weight and grassroots appeal would strengthen the party and improve its chances in future elections.
“This development will enhance unity, mobilisation and effective delivery of our programmes across the state. We are confident of a landslide victory in 2027,” he said.
Earlier, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, described Ajayi as a 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, the APC is stronger and more united,” Adetimehin said.
He added that the party was well positioned to secure massive victories for Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general election.
