In a decisive victory, Agboola Ajayi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, has secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the upcoming governorship election slated for November 16, 2024, in the Sunshine State. Ajayi’s triumph came after he emerged as the preferred candidate during the PDP’s indirect primary held at the International Culture and Events Centre in Akure.
Ajayi’s journey to clinch the PDP ticket saw him face off against six other aspirants, including notable contenders such as Bamidele Akingboye, Adeolu Akinwumi, Sola Ebiseeni, John Mafo, Kolade Akinjo, and Bosun Arebuwa. Despite the competition, Ajayi’s political acumen and grassroots support propelled him to victory, as he garnered 264 votes out of a total of 619 valid votes cast.
Trailing behind Ajayi were Kolade Akinjo with 157 votes and Sola Ebiseeni with 99 votes, showcasing the former deputy governor’s significant lead over his rivals. With his nomination secured, Ajayi now sets his sights on the gubernatorial race, where he will vie for the state’s highest office against other contenders, including incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who recently clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.
Ajayi’s political trajectory is marked by his tenure as Ondo State’s deputy governor during the first term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. However, a fallout with Akeredolu led Ajayi to leave the APC in 2021, subsequently joining the Zenith Labour Party and contesting as its gubernatorial candidate in the 2020 election, albeit unsuccessfully.
Notably, Ajayi’s opponent, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also served as a former deputy governor of Ondo State, albeit during Akeredolu’s second term. Aiyedatiwa ascended to the governorship following the demise of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, late last year.
As the stage is set for a keenly contested gubernatorial election in Ondo State, all eyes are on Agboola Ajayi as he prepares to navigate the political landscape and rally support for his candidacy. With his experience, political alliances, and track record, Ajayi aims to stake his claim to the governorship, promising a vision of progress and development for the people of Ondo State.
