Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last election, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has formally returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajayi, who previously served under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, rejoined the ruling party on Tuesday at his ward, Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Speaking at the event, Ajayi said his decision to return to the APC was motivated by his desire to add value to the party and to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
He said his return was also aimed at strengthening support for the EASE Agenda of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as critical to national and state development.
The former deputy governor noted that his move reaffirmed his full membership of the APC and would enable him to participate actively in the party’s activities at all levels.
Drawing lessons from global politics, Ajayi likened his return to political reconciliations in other democracies, arguing that personal differences should always give way to national interest.
“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.
Recalling political reconciliations in Kenya, Ajayi said leaders who once fiercely contested elections eventually united in the interest of their country, adding that similar unity was needed in Nigeria.
“Myself and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, we have had our differences in the past, but those things are bigger than all of us. This is about the Nigeria project. We should come together to see how we can add value to the system,” he stated.
Ajayi also commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold and transformative economic reforms, insisting that the policies had laid a solid foundation for sustainable national growth.
“He has been able to lay a solid foundation. No president will come in the future and cancel these policies again because they give the government a formidable and vibrant economic base,” he said.
While acknowledging ongoing security challenges, Ajayi said there had been notable improvements compared to previous years, expressing confidence that continued support would enable the president to further transform the country.
“With all our support, the president will transform the country. After his eight years in office, Nigerians will say the country is better than he met it,” he added.
He urged party members to also rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa, noting that collective support would help deliver good governance and accelerate development across Ondo State.
Also speaking, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Ajayi’s return as a major boost for the APC in Ondo State.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Mr Babatunde Kolawole, the governor said Ajayi’s experience, grassroots appeal and political influence would strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
According to him, the development reflects growing confidence among key political actors in the APC’s leadership and governance direction at both state and federal levels, expressing optimism that the party would record a landslide victory in 2027.
Earlier, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, described Ajayi as a seasoned 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, our party is stronger and more united,” Adetimehin said.
He added that with unity and synergy, the APC was well-positioned to secure massive electoral victories for President Tinubu and other party candidates in the 2027 general elections.
