Two former governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede and Chief Agboola Ajayi, have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aligning with a growing coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.
Other prominent defectors to the coalition include former Senator representing Ondo South, Nicholas Tofowomo; former House of Representatives member, Prof. Bode Ayorinde; ex-PDP State Chairman, Tola Alabere; and former PDP Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, among others.
Speaking at the inauguration of the state chapter of the coalition, the coordinator, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, declared that the movement is gaining momentum across Ondo’s local government areas.
“All the local governments are with us. Our numbers are increasing, and we will continue to build on the momentum,” Ayorinde said.
He clarified that the coalition is not distributing money but is focused on grassroots mobilization and inclusive politics, stating that membership cards will soon be shared across wards and local government areas.
“The former PDP governorship candidates for the 2020 and 2024 elections — Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi — are with us. Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Mr. Tola Alabere, and Mr. Kennedy Peretei are also part of this movement,” he added.
Ayorinde emphasized his disinterest in elective office, urging leaders at the ward level to embrace inclusive politics as the state prepares for the next governorship election.
“We started with just 25 members. Today, we are over 300. This shows the failure of the ruling party. Ondo will be the first to take advantage of the ADC platform.”
In his remarks, former PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei described the coalition as a necessary response to the current political climate nothing that necessary is dragging to one party State which is not good for democracy.