Two Former PDP Governorship Candidates in Ondo Join ADC, Boost 2027 Coalition Against Tinubu

Two former governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede and Chief Agboola Ajayi, have officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lending significant political weight to a growing coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.

Their defection was announced at the inauguration of the state chapter of the coalition in Akure, where several other notable PDP figures were also unveiled as new members of the ADC. These include former Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, former House of Representatives member Prof. Bode Ayorinde, ex-PDP State Chairman Tola Alabere, and former PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei.

Prof. Ayorinde, now the state coordinator of the coalition, said the movement has gained ground across Ondo’s local government areas and is drawing in members from the grassroots. “All the local governments are with us. Our numbers are increasing, and we will continue to build on the momentum,” he said. He added that the coalition is not fueled by financial incentives but by a commitment to grassroots mobilization and inclusive politics. Membership registration is expected to begin at ward and local government levels in the coming weeks.

Highlighting the coalition’s growth, Ayorinde noted that what started with just 25 members has now expanded to over 300. He said this surge reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling party and predicted that Ondo State would lead the charge in using the ADC platform for political change. He also made clear that he is not seeking elective office but is focused on building a people-driven movement.

Former PDP spokesman Kennedy Peretei described the coalition as a response to the political challenges facing Nigeria and Ondo State, asserting that the country needs a new political direction. He revealed that in at least two local government areas, the entire PDP structure has already collapsed into the ADC, effectively signaling the PDP’s disappearance in those regions.

Peretei dismissed fears of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, arguing that the current wave of defections and growing opposition activity is proof of a political realignment. “The reactions from those in power show just how much pressure the ruling party is under. After today, more ripples will follow,” he said.

He also pointed to internal strife within the APC, suggesting that the coalition is ready to capitalize on the cracks. “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,” Peretei said.