AKURE, Ondo State – Chief Agboola Ajayi, former deputy governor of Ondo State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2024 election, has explained his decision to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) and fully participate in the party’s activities.

Ajayi spoke on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Igbekebo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, where he was formally received into the APC by party leaders.

Ajayi previously served as deputy governor under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu before leaving the APC amid political disagreements. He subsequently joined the PDP, where he contested the governorship election in 2024.

His return to the APC marks another shift in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ajayi’s reentry into the APC comes amid broader political realignments in Nigeria, with several politicians crossing party lines ahead of upcoming polls.

The move follows a pattern of political repositioning observed across states as lawmakers and political figures prepare for future contests.

At the event, Ajayi said his decision to rejoin the APC was driven by a desire to “add value” to the party and to support both the statewide and national development agendas.

He pledged his support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s EASE Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

Ajayi described his return as a full recommitment to the APC and said it would enable him to participate more actively in the party’s affairs.

He drew a parallel with political reconciliations in other countries, citing the example of leaders in Kenya who reconciled in the interest of national unity and progress.

Ajayi said: “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.”

Ajayi’s return to the APC carries implications for political dynamics in Ondo State and the Southwest region. His reentry adds to the ruling party’s strength and could influence voter mobilisation and party cohesion ahead of 2027.

Political analysts say such defections reflect ongoing shifts as politicians align with dominant parties to enhance their political relevance and pursue broader development agendas.

Chief Agboola Ajayi’s decision to rejoin the All-Progressives Congress underscores evolving political currents in Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.

His stated intent to support key government agendas highlights the strategic considerations shaping party alignments ahead of future elections.