2027: Ex- Ondo deputy gov Ajayi joins Senate race

Former Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, has declared his intention to contest the southern senatorial seat in 2027, declaring himself as the most experienced and qualified aspirant for the role.

Ajayi said his ambition rests on a long political career spanning local government administration, legislative service, party leadership, and executive governance.

He made the declaration in Akure while addressing political stakeholders and newsmen, where he outlined his political background, legislative record, and vision for stronger representation at the National Assembly.

Ajayi, a former House of Representatives member and local government chairman, said his years in public service have prepared him for national legislative duties and stressed the need for experienced leadership in the Senate.

He declared that the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders across the state who encouraged him to return to service to strengthen representation and address governance gaps in his senatorial district.

Ajayi said that his ambition “is driven by a desire to improve development outcomes and ensure constituents benefit more directly from federal presence and legislative intervention.”

According to him, “The move is also to complete unfinished projects and strengthen the district’s voice at the national level.

“I have been in this system from the grassroots. I have served as councillor, supervisor for works, local government chairman, member of the House of Representatives, and Deputy Governor.

“So, I have seen governance at every level. I believe that experience is what our people need at this time.”

He added that persistent concerns about representation gaps and the need for stronger advocacy for Ondo South within Nigeria’s political structure informed his return to national politics.

Ajayi argued that, despite years of democratic practice, some communities in the district remain underrepresented, making fairness, equity, and zoning balance critical.

He anchored his bid on zoning agitations in Ondo South, insisting equity favours his constituency.

Ajayi noted that among the six local governments in the district, his is the only one yet to produce a senator since 1999.

According to him, “Out of the six local governments in Ondo South, mine is the only one that has not produced a senator. By all political calculations and fairness, it is our turn.”

On a rift between him and the current Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Ajayi said, “I met him one-on-one. He told me himself that I am the most qualified among those aspiring. We are not enemies; political differences do not make us adversaries.”

The former deputy governor ruled out interest in any potential by-election, stressing that his focus is on the 2027 general elections.

On the internal divisions in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ajayi dismissed fears of candidate imposition, insisting the party’s democratic processes remain intact.

He distanced himself from factional alignments, describing himself as a neutral figure committed to unity.

According to him, “The party has guidelines, consensus where possible, and if not, primaries. No single individual can impose a candidate.”

“That is not possible in Ondo State,” he said. “I don’t belong to any group. I belong to the party and the people. At my level, I should be a unifying figure, not a factional politician.”

Speaking on his chances, he declared that “My name is a household name in Ondo State. Politics is about individuals and popularity, not just party labels.

“The Senate is not a place for trial and error. It requires people who understand governance, legislation, and national dynamics.”

Ajayi lamented that many projects he started were abandoned after his tenure. “I laid the foundation for major development projects, but they were not completed. That is why I want to return — to finish what I started,” he said.

He called for unity among political actors in the state, warning that internal divisions have slowed development.

“We must stop unnecessary divisions and focus on moving Ondo State forward. Other states in the Southwest are ahead of us — we must close the gap,” he said.