Aboola Ajayi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and recent Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress.
The politician, who previously served under late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, completed his return to the APC on Tuesday, January 27, during a ceremony at Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in Ese Odo Local Government Area.
At the event, Ajayi explained that his decision to rejoin the ruling party stemmed from his desire to contribute meaningfully to the APC and help secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
He also cited his intention to support both Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s EASE Agenda in Ondo State and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the federal level as key reasons for his return.
The former deputy governor said rejoining the APC restores his full party membership and will allow him to actively engage in party activities.
Referencing international political examples, Ajayi compared his decision to political reconciliations in other democratic nations, emphasising that personal rivalries should not obstruct national progress.
“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.
He drew parallels with Kenya’s political landscape, recalling how former rivals Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta put aside their differences for their country’s benefit.
“As I said earlier, I quoted far back in East Africa. We all remember what happened in Kenya, where you have Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta. Both of them contested elections together,” he said.
“They fought, they abused themselves. But at the time, it’s okay. We must come together for the interest of Kenya. That’s exactly what I’ve done today.”
Addressing his past political rivalry with Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ajayi acknowledged their contentious history but framed it as typical campaign dynamics.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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Ajayi praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing they have created a strong foundation that future administrations will be unable to dismantle.
“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,” he said.
“Anybody that comes in future, after President Tinubu will not, cannot even say he wants to remove all these policies that give the government a very formidable economy, vibrant background.”
The former deputy governor acknowledged ongoing security challenges but expressed confidence in visible improvements under the current administration.
“Yes, no country is free of crime. Nigeria is not exempted, but I’m sure you can see the difference between now and what was maybe about four, three years back. I want to believe with all our support, the president will transform the country,” he said.
“After his eight years in office, we will commend him and say that yes, Nigeria is better than how he made it.”
He also called on Ondo residents to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
“Like I said, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is doing his best. We should come around to also support him so that we can all enjoy the facility of the government and contribute our quota so that the country and the states can move together,” Ajayi said.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa, through his Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, welcomed Ajayi’s return as a significant strengthening of the APC in Ondo State.
The governor said Ajayi’s political experience, grassroots connections, and influence would bolster the party’s prospects in upcoming elections.
He noted that the defection demonstrates increasing trust in the APC’s governance approach at both state and federal levels.
Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence that the development would improve party cohesion, mobilisation efforts, and programme implementation across the state, predicting a commanding APC victory in 2027.
Meanwhile, Ondo State APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin praised Ajayi’s political prowess and intimate 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. With synergy and unity, the APC will continue to grow stronger and move forward,” he said.
Adetimehin observed that nearly all of Ondo’s former political leaders now belong to the APC, positioning the party favourably for overwhelming electoral success for Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027.