In a significant political realignment, two former gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi, have joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Their move signifies a growing coalition aiming to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 general elections.
The influx of prominent political figures into the ADC extends beyond Mr Jegede and Mr Ajayi.
READ ALSO: ADC gains momentum as Jegede, Ajayi, others dump PDP in Ondo
Other notable defectors embracing this new coalition include former Senator representing Ondo South, Nicholas Tofowomo; former House of Representatives member, Prof. Bode Ayorinde; immediate past PDP State Chairman, Tola Alabere; and former PDP Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, among others.
During the inauguration of the coalition’s state chapter, its coordinator, Mr Ayorinde, declared that the movement is rapidly gaining traction across all local government areas within Ondo State.
“All the local governments are with us. Our numbers are increasing, and we will continue to build on the momentum,” Mr Ayorinde stated, emphasising that the coalition is focused on grassroots mobilization and inclusive political engagement, rather than financial inducements.
He confirmed that membership cards will soon be distributed across wards and local government areas.
Mr Ayorinde highlighted the commitment of key figures: “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 personally stressed his lack of interest in holding elective office, urging ward-level leaders to prioritise inclusive politics as the state prepares for its next governorship election.
“We started with just 25 members. Today, we have over 300. This shows the failure of the ruling party. Ondo will be the first to take advantage of the ADC platform,” Mr Ayorinde added.
Kennedy Peretei, the former PDP Publicity Secretary, characterised the emerging coalition as a necessary response to the prevailing political climate, noting that many political heavyweights have already aligned with the ADC.
“You heard Prof. Ayorinde mention the names. But beyond the big names, the reality is that the state of the nation and Ondo in particular demands a new direction,” Mr Peretei said.
He further confirmed that the PDP’s structures in at least two local government areas have now completely merged into the ADC, asserting that the PDP essentially ‘no longer exists’ in those regions.
“People feared Nigeria was becoming a one-party state. That fear is disappearing fast. The reactions from those in power show just how much pressure the ruling party is under. After today, more ripples will follow,” Mr Peretei claimed.
Mr Peretei also hinted at internal discord within the ruling APC, suggesting that the coalition plans to capitalize on this disaffection.
“There’s a lot of bad blood in the APC. We are poised to maximize that opening. Nigerians should be ready for what comes next,” he added.
