Former Ondo State Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi has declared his intention to contest the Ondo South Senatorial seat in 2027, saying his track record across local, state, and federal levels makes him the most qualified candidate.
Speaking to political stakeholders and the press in Akure, Ajayi said his ambition rests on “a long and diverse political trajectory” that includes service as councillor, supervisor for works, local government chairman, House of Representatives member, and deputy governor.
“I have been in this system from the grassroots… I have seen governance at every level. I believe that experience is what our people need at this time,” he said.
Ajayi argued that his bid is also anchored on zoning and fairness.
He noted that of the six local governments in Ondo South, his is the only one yet to produce a senator since 1999. “By all political calculations and fairness, it is our turn,” he said.
He disclosed that he had spoken directly with the current senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, amid reports of Ibrahim’s exit. “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,” Ajayi said. He ruled out interest in any potential by-election, saying his focus is on the 2027 general elections.
On party politics, Ajayi dismissed fears of candidate imposition within the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, insisting that “no single individual can impose a candidate” and that party guidelines provide for consensus or primaries. He described himself as a unifying figure: “I don’t belong to any group. I belong to the party and the people.”
Addressing concerns that former PDP members could face hurdles getting APC tickets, he pointed to his name recognition. “My name is a household name in Ondo State. Politics is about individuals and popularity, not just party labels,” he said.
Ajayi said his return to the Senate would be to “complete unfinished projects” from his earlier tenure, claiming many were abandoned after he left office. “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 called for unity among Ondo political actors, warning that “unnecessary divisions” have slowed development. “Other states in the Southwest are ahead of us — we must close the gap,” he said.
“The Senate is not a place for trial and error. It requires people who understand governance, legislation, and national dynamics,” Ajayi added.
