Ahead of the 2027 general elections, political momentum is building in Ondo State as former PDP governorship candidates Eyitayo Jegede and Chief Agboola Ajayi have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Their defection signals a major shift, as several top politicians rally around a unified coalition aimed at challenging the dominance of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They are joined by other key political figures from the PDP, including former Ondo South Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, ex-lawmaker Prof. Bode Ayorinde, former PDP State Chairman Tola Alabere, and former Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei.
Speaking during the inauguration of the coalition’s state structure, Professor Ayorinde, who now serves as the state coordinator, described the wave of defections as a reflection of growing public dissatisfaction.
“We started this movement with just 25 people. Today, we are over 300 strong. That growth is a clear response to the failure of the ruling party in Ondo,” he said.
He emphasized that the coalition is rooted in grassroots mobilization and not financial inducement, assuring supporters that membership cards would soon be distributed across wards and local councils.
“All 18 local governments are showing support. We are expanding daily,” he added.
Ayorinde also made it clear he is not contesting for any political position but is focused on building a broad-based platform that can accommodate everyone.
In his remarks, Kennedy Peretei described the emergence of the coalition as both timely and necessary.
“This is not just about big names joining a new party. It is about responding to the urgent need for political direction in Ondo and in Nigeria at large,” he said.
Peretei claimed that in some areas, PDP structures have already completely dissolved into the ADC, suggesting the opposition party’s influence is fading in parts of the state.
“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 also hinted at disunity within the APC, suggesting the coalition would take full advantage of any internal cracks in the ruling party.
“Today is just the beginning. Expect more political shifts in the coming days,” he added.
