Agboola Ajayi moves to join APC after withdrawing Ondo election appeal, reshaping Ondo politics and boosting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s strength.
Ondo State politics is taking a new turn as Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 2024 election, has revealed his plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His decision comes shortly after he formally ended his long-running Ondo election appeal at the Supreme Court.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa confirmed the development during a Channels Television interview, describing Ajayi’s defection as a welcome move that would strengthen unity within the state.
“Agboola Ajayi has personally told me that he is coming to join the APC. I am waiting for him so that we can work together to build a greater Ondo State,” the governor said.
Political analysts believe Ajayi’s switch will not only reshape the balance of power in Ondo but also consolidate APC’s dominance ahead of the next election cycle.
For Aiyedatiwa, it represents both a political boost and a moment of reconciliation with a major rival.
Ajayi has long been a significant political figure in Ondo. As a former deputy governor and federal lawmaker, his experience and influence make his defection a major win for the APC.
For the PDP, however, his exit is a heavy blow that could further weaken its chances of staging a comeback in future contests.
Observers say Ajayi’s decision to join the ruling party is more than just political survival.
It reflects a broader realignment in Ondo State politics, where opposition forces are steadily fragmenting.
By moving into the APC fold, Ajayi secures a platform for relevance while signaling readiness to work with his former opponents.
Ajayi’s move to the APC came shortly after he withdrew his Ondo election appeal at the Supreme Court.
In a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the apex court, he formally stepped down from the legal challenge against Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election victory.
“After wide consultations with my family, legal advisers, and party stakeholders, I have reached the decision to withdraw the appeal.
“Having served as deputy governor and legislator, I remain committed to good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria,” Ajayi explained.
The appeal had been his final legal hope after losing at the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
His withdrawal effectively confirmed Aiyedatiwa’s mandate, which was already backed by INEC’s official results and judicial rulings.
Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed Ajayi’s decision with open arms, framing it as a victory for peace and development.
He noted that Ajayi’s defection and the withdrawal of the Ondo election appeal marked “a final seal on the mandate freely given by the people of Ondo State.”
The governor also highlighted how this development would ease political tension, reduce divisions, and allow his administration to focus fully on governance.
“Our people deserve progress, not endless disputes. Ajayi’s decision is a step in the right direction,” he emphasized.
Ajayi’s departure leaves the PDP in a weakened state. Already facing declining influence in Ondo, the party now risks losing even more ground without one of its strongest contenders.
Some party loyalists have expressed disappointment, arguing that Ajayi abandoned the fight too early.
Others believe his defection exposes cracks within the PDP and signals the urgent need for rebuilding if it is to remain a credible opposition force in the state.
The decision to end the Ondo election appeal and join APC is expected to reshape the dynamics of the 2027 governorship race.
With Ajayi out of the PDP, the ruling party’s dominance could grow even stronger, making it more challenging for the opposition to mount a serious challenge.
For Agboola Ajayi, his new home in APC may open opportunities for appointments or party roles.
Analysts suggest he could become a bridge between rival factions within the APC, helping to strengthen its cohesion.
In his withdrawal letter, Ajayi struck a conciliatory tone.
“I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the state and national development,” he said.
This message of unity reinforces the idea that his defection is less about personal ambition and more about building peace in a state often divided by sharp political rivalries.
Ajayi’s journey — from the polls to the tribunal, the Court of Appeal, and finally the Supreme Court — illustrates the resilience of Nigeria’s electoral legal system.
Yet, his eventual withdrawal of the Ondo election appeal demonstrates that politics is not always about pursuing victory at all costs.
IREPORT247NEWS notes that Ajayi’s choice highlights political maturity. By prioritizing reconciliation over rivalry, he has shown leadership that places the state’s stability above prolonged litigation.
Agboola Ajayi’s move to join the APC after dropping his Ondo election appeal has redefined the political landscape in Ondo State.
For the ruling party, it is a significant gain that consolidates power and strengthens Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mandate. For the PDP, it is a painful loss that underscores its shrinking influence in the state.
By aligning with APC, Ajayi has not only repositioned himself for future relevance but also lowered political tensions.
His decision could prove to be one of the most important realignments in Ondo politics in years, shaping both the present administration and the contests yet to come.
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