As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Ondo State’s political landscape is witnessing a major realignment as two former governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) and Chief Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor, have officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Their move comes alongside the defection of several high-profile PDP stalwarts, including former Ondo South Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, former House of Representatives member Prof. Bode Ayorinde, ex-PDP State Chairman Tola Alabere, and former PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei.
The coalition of defectors was unveiled during the formal inauguration of the ADC’s new state structure, where Professor Ayorinde, now appointed as the state coordinator of the movement, described the defection move as a response to widespread public disenchantment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We started this movement with just 25 people. Today, we are over 300 strong. He stressed that the coalition’s growth stems from genuine grassroots mobilization rather than financial inducement.
He announced that ADC membership cards would soon be distributed across all wards and local councils in the state, noting that support is rapidly expanding across Ondo’s 18 local government areas.
He also clarified that he would not be contesting for any political office but is focused on building an inclusive platform to challenge APC dominance.
Also speaking at the event, Kennedy Peretei described the emergence of the ADC-led coalition as both “timely and necessary,” emphasizing the need for credible political alternatives in Ondo and Nigeria at large.
“This is not just about big names joining a new party. It is about responding to the urgent need for political direction,” Peretei said.
He further claimed that PDP structures in several parts of the state have already collapsed into the ADC, reflecting the declining influence of the opposition party in the region.
“There was a fear that Nigeria might slip into a one-party system, but that fear is quickly fading. The ruling party knows the tide is turning,” he added, while hinting at internal cracks within the APC that the coalition intends to exploit ahead of the polls.
With more political defections anticipated in the coming weeks, observers say Ondo State could become a key battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.