The Former Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, has secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidacy for the upcoming November governorship election. Ajayi, joined the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) after losing the PDP gubernatorial primary to Eyitayo Jegede who became the candidate of the party in 2020, clinched victory by polling 264 votes at the party’s primary, surpassing six other contenders.

 Ajayi, being declared the winner of PDP guber Primary election

During the primary, a total of 621 out of 627 accredited delegates cast their votes, with former House of Representatives member Kolade Akinjo coming in second with 157 votes. Notably, two votes were deemed invalid. Other aspirants’ vote counts included Otunba Bamidele Akingboye with 24 votes, Adeolu Akinwumi with 64 votes, Arebuwa Bosun with two votes, Ebiseni Olusola with 99 votes, and John Mafo with nine votes.

Having served as Deputy Governor from 2017 to 2021 and later parting ways with the PDP to pursue the ZLP candidacy, Agboola emerged victorious and is now the official PDP candidate for the gubernatorial race.

Ex deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Chairman of the Primary Election Committee in Ondo State and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, announced Agboola’s win and expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the forthcoming election.

According to him, “By virtue of the results, Ajayi Alfred Agboola having scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner of this primary and hereby declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the November 2024 election and is hereby returned as

Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the need for transparency and fair election, aiming to reclaim power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after eight years. He cited the successful PDP primary in Osun State as a model for a smooth electoral process.

Agboola, acknowledging the victory, thanked the party’s leadership for overseeing a credible and transparent primary, pledging to lead PDP to success in the polls.

Ajayi had served as a councillor, chairman of Ese-Odo LGA, and house of representatives member before he was nominated by the late Akeredolu as his deputy in 2016.

He cited irreconcilable differences between him and his principal, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of Ondo.

On June 21, 2020, Ajayi, a lawyer and businessman, resigned his membership from the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the PDP.