In a decisive victory, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has emerged as the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary. The election was held on Thursday in Akure, the state capital, and saw Ajayi polling 264 votes out of a total of 621 votes cast.
The electoral committee, chaired by Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the deputy governor of Bayelsa, announced the results, declaring Ajayi the winner of the contest. This victory sets Ajayi up as the PDP’s flagbearer for the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Ajayi’s political journey is marked by his time as deputy governor to the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu during his first term. However, their relationship was marred by irreconcilable differences, leading to a crisis that almost resulted in Ajayi’s impeachment by the Ondo State House of Assembly. Despite this, Ajayi remained a significant figure in the state’s political landscape.
With this victory, Ajayi will face off against the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was also a former deputy to Akeredolu, in the November election. The contest is expected to be intense, with Ajayi’s emergence as the PDP candidate adding a new dimension to the political dynamics in the state.
As the campaign season begins, Ajayi will be looking to capitalize on his victory and build momentum towards the governorship election. His supporters are optimistic about his chances, citing his experience and grassroots connections as key factors in his favor.
The stage is now set for a thrilling contest in Ondo State, with Ajayi’s emergence as the PDP candidate adding a new layer of excitement to the political landscape.