In a dramatic political realignment, two former governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede and Chief Agboola Ajayi, have formally abandoned the party to join the opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The move, seen as a strategic consolidation against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, signals a growing revolt within Nigeria’s opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defection, which also includes several high-profile PDP figures, underscores deepening frustrations within the party and a calculated push to unify anti-Tinubu forces. Among the notable defectors are:  Former Senator Nicholas Tofowomo (Ondo South), Ex-House of Representatives member Prof. Bode Ayorinde, Former PDP State Chairman Tola Alabere and One-time PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei

The mass exodus suggests a broader realignment in Ondo’s political landscape, with the ADC positioning itself as a formidable alternative ahead of the 2024 governorship election and the 2027 presidential race.

At the official inauguration of the ADC’s state chapter, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, the coalition’s coordinator, emphasized that the movement is driven by ideology rather than financial inducement.

“We are not here to share money,” Ayorinde declared. “Our strength lies in grassroots mobilization and inclusive politics. Membership cards will soon be distributed across all wards and local governments.”

He revealed that the coalition has gained significant traction, with supporters flooding in from across Ondo’s 18 local government areas. “Our numbers are swelling daily,” he said. “This is a movement, not just a political party.”

While Ayorinde ruled out personal ambitions for elective office, his call for ward leaders to embrace inclusivity suggests a deliberate strategy to consolidate the ADC’s base before the governorship election. Political analysts view the defections as a direct challenge to both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a weakened PDP, which has struggled to maintain cohesion in the state.

With Jegede and Ajayi—both seasoned politicians with substantial followings—now in the ADC, the coalition could emerge as a dark horse in Ondo politics. Their alignment raises questions about potential alliances with other opposition forces, including the Labour Party (LP), which retains influence in the South-West.

The defections also reflect wider discontent with Tinubu’s administration, as opposition figures seek to build a united front ahead of 2027. If the ADC’s momentum holds, Ondo may serve as a testing ground for a broader opposition coalition capable of unsettling the APC’s dominance.

As the political chessboard shifts, one thing is clear: Ondo State has become a critical battleground, and the ADC’s rise could redefine Nigeria’s opposition politics in the years to come.