JUST IN: Former Ondo state deputy governor Agboola Ajayi returns to APC

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

Ajayi formally rejoined the APC on Tuesday at 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 party was driven by the desire to add value to the APC and support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Ajayi said his return was also informed by the need to support the EASE agenda of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The former deputy governor said his move reaffirmed his full membership of the APC and would allow him to participate actively in the party’s affairs.

His words: “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.

“We all remember what happened in Kenya, where you had Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“They fought and abused themselves, but later came together in the interest of Kenya, and that is exactly what I have done today.”

Ajayi said he and Aiyedatiwa had moved past their political differences in the interest of the state and the country.

“Myself and the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, we have talked; we campaigned, and at the time of campaign you cannot rule out blackmail and propaganda,” he said.

“But the Nigeria project is bigger than all of us, and we should come together to see how we can add value to the system,” he added.

Ajayi also commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms.

He stated: “I want to commend Mr President for the bold steps and the reforms that he has introduced to the country.

“He has been able to establish and lay a solid foundation, and no president will come and say he wants to cancel those policies again.

“Anybody that comes in future after President Tinubu will not, and cannot, say he wants to remove all these policies that give the government a formidable economy and vibrant background.”

Also speaking, Aiyedatiwa described Ajayi’s return as a major boost to the APC in Ondo state.

The governor, who was represented by Babatunde Kolawole, his special adviser on legislative and party affairs, said Ajayi’s experience and grassroots appeal would strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Kolawole said Ajayi’s decision reflected growing confidence in the APC’s leadership at both the state and federal levels.

He added that the development would enhance unity, mobilisation and effective delivery of the party’s programmes, expressing confidence that the APC would secure victory in 2027.