Former Ondo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jegede, who contested the Ondo governorship election on the PDP platform in 2016 and 2020, was received into the ADC alongside political associates and supporters at a gathering in Akure on Thursday.
The reception was attended by several ADC leaders, including the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, who represented National Chairman David Mark.
Addressing the gathering, Jegede said his decision to leave the PDP was influenced by what he described as worsening economic conditions, unemployment, insecurity and hardship across the country.
He called on his supporters to mobilise at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 elections and said the ADC would seek to provide an alternative political platform.
“The suffering is too much. The journey has begun,” Jegede said, according to reports of the event.
He also urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the electoral process, while asking ADC members to build structures across the state.
Atiku, who addressed party supporters at the reception, welcomed Jegede and his associates into the ADC. He said the gathering was a reception rather than a campaign rally, adding that the party would return to Ondo State to present its programmes to voters.
The former vice president also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu and called on Nigerians to vote against the All Progressives Congress in 2027. His remarks reflected his political position as the ADC’s presidential candidate.
Atiku said the ADC would seek to reverse some policies of the current administration, including its approach to petrol pricing. He reiterated his earlier position that an ADC administration would restore fuel subsidy, while also promising to prioritise national security.
“We are committed to returning subsidy. Secondly, we are committed to returning security to all over this country,” Atiku said.
The former vice president also referred to the period between 1999 and 2007, when he served as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He argued that Nigeria’s economic position had subsequently declined and attributed that decline to the APC administration.
Atiku further urged opposition supporters to mobilise voters and protect their votes during the 2027 elections. He cited the recent Osun State governorship election as an example of the importance of voter turnout and monitoring of the electoral process.
Aregbesola similarly appealed to ADC members and the newly received supporters to begin grassroots mobilisation ahead of the general elections.
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal also addressed Hausa-speaking members of the party during the event and encouraged them to work for the ADC.
Jegede’s defection adds another former major-party governorship candidate to the ADC’s growing political structure ahead of the 2027 elections. The party has been expanding its field organisation and announced governorship and deputy governorship candidates in 28 states earlier in September.
Jegede said the political movement would extend beyond his immediate supporters, expressing the intention to mobilise across Ondo State.
The development comes as political parties and emerging coalitions intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with parties seeking to attract prominent politicians, build grassroots structures and consolidate support ahead of the polls.
