With the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by coalition forces in the country, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) fold in Ondo State has been diminished by the development.

Senior members within the party, along with their followers, have aligned themselves with ADC in a move to rescue the country and the state.

Among the PDP stalwarts who joined ADC are Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi, who were the party’s candidates in the 2020 and 2024 governorship elections in the state.

Other PDP political stalwarts who moved to ADC in the state include the former State Chairman of the party, Tola Alabere, and former Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, as well as the immediate past Media and Publicity Secretary of the party, Kennedy Peretei.

While revealing the development during the inaugural meeting of the ADC held in the state, the State Coordinator of the coalition and former member of the House of Representatives, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, stated that party membership had been increasing dramatically.

He said, “I’m not interested in party positions; I’m not running for elective positions. I wish both aspirants for positions the best of luck. Ondo State will benefit first from the ADC in the next governorship election. Let all leaders at the ward level promote politics of inclusion.”

“We started with 25 members at our first meeting, but now we are over 300. It shows the failure of the ruling party. Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi are also part of us. They are with us; it is a state coalition, and we are united.”

On his part, a former spokesman of the PDP, Kennedy Peretei, stated that the coalition was beneficial for Nigerians, confirming that many prominent figures from the political parties were already part of the coalition.

He said, “In Ondo State, I know two local governments that have already collapsed their structures for the ADC. So, if you say ADC, and you say PDP, you say no, PDP doesn’t exist anymore. It’s ADC that exists. And you see it here.

“You know, the biggest fear expressed in the last two months in the country was, is Nigeria going to be a one-party state? Is Nigeria descending into a one-party state? Nobody’s talking about that now. And those in the villa are attacking us, attacking personalities. So, that will tell you how much heat is on the APC.

“In one week. So, what happens if it takes six weeks? In those states, after today, I’m sure there will be ripples. There will be a lot of ripples. And I’m sure some people will begin to say no. But whatever it is, it’s about people; it’s about human beings. It’s not about individuals.”

Also, a former secretary of the SDP, Dr. Bisi Agboola, expressed optimism that the coalition would end the government of the APC in the next general election.

Agboola said, “People who are identified as political technocrats are invited, and that is why people like us are here, and we are not just here; it is because of the prevailing situation in the country. Everybody is distraught; nobody is satisfied at all.

“We don’t have to deceive ourselves. No single party can defeat the APC as a party anywhere in this country. As a matter of fact, the coalition stuff has to really be up and doing before you can unseat this ruling party, because they are firmly rooted. But by the special grace of God, and by this prayer, that God will listen to the yearnings and aspirations of the oppressed, the APC shall be uprooted. And come 2027, this coalition will be a success.”