By John Moses
Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election scheduled for 16 November 2024, has denied claims suggesting he plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure and jointly signed by eight senior PDP figures, Ajayi labelled the defection reports as “false and misleading.” The clarification, shared with journalists by Bakitta Bello, Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee in the state, sought to dispel mounting speculation around his political allegiance.
“We recognise that recent political developments and the movements of some figures have created a sense of uncertainty among party members,” the statement read. “However, we assure our members that neither the national leadership nor the Ondo State chapter of the PDP has entered into any coalition or merger talks with other political parties.”
The PDP leaders emphasised that the party remains united, resilient and focused on its objective to “rescue, rebuild and reposition” both Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole through the ballot box in the forthcoming election.
Appealing for continued loyalty, the statement noted: “Our strength is not in fleeting headlines or short-lived political alignments but in the steadfast commitment of our members.”
The statement also encouraged any members swayed by recent rumours to reconsider, adding: “The PDP is more than just a political organisation—it is a movement built on hope, democratic values and purposeful leadership.”
PDP’s grassroots structures, covering all 203 wards and 18 local government areas in Ondo State, remain active and fully operational, the leaders confirmed.
Those who endorsed the statement alongside Ajayi include Senator Bode Olajumoke and Eddy Olafeso, members of the PDP Board of Trustees; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Clement Faboyede, a member of the National Executive Committee; Olajide Oguntodu, Minority Leader in the Ondo State House of Assembly; Ladi Omotehinse, Chairman of the Forum of PDP Local Government Chairmen; Bakkita Bello, State Caretaker Committee Chairman; and Oluseye Olujimi, Secretary of the State Caretaker Committee.
