Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the last election, Agboola Ajayi, has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress.
Ajayi, who previously served under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, returned to 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, Ajayi said his decision was motivated by the need to contribute meaningfully to governance and to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election.
“My return to the APC is about adding value to the system and supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. This is also in line with supporting the EASE Agenda of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
The former deputy governor noted that his return reaffirmed his full membership of the APC and would allow him to participate actively in the party’s affairs.
Drawing parallels from global political experiences, Ajayi said reconciliation and unity were essential for national progress, stressing that personal disagreements should not override collective interests.
“In politics, there are disagreements, campaigns, propaganda and even 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.
He added that political actors must rise above past differences in the interest of development, noting that similar reconciliations had occurred in other democracies.
Ajayi also commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, insisting that the policies had laid a strong foundation for national growth.
“The President has taken bold steps and introduced reforms that have established a solid foundation for the economy. Future leaders will build on these policies rather than discard them,” he said.
Reacting, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described Ajayi’s return as a significant boost to the APC in Ondo State.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, the governor said Ajayi’s political experience and grassroots influence would strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
“This development reflects growing confidence in the leadership and direction of the APC at both the state and federal levels. It will enhance unity and mobilisation across the state,” Kolawole said.
Also speaking, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, described Ajayi as a formidable grassroots politician whose return had further united the party.
“Agboola Ajayi understands the political terrain of Ondo State. With his return, the APC is stronger, more united, and better positioned for victory in 2027,” he said.
