The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is emerging as a major opposition force in Ondo State, driven by high-profile defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Former Senator Patrick Akinyelure, who represented Ondo Central in the 7th and 8th National Assemblies, recently defected to the ADC after allegedly being denied the APC's senatorial ticket for 2027. Akinyelure's defection brings significant influence and an established political structure to the ADC in Ondo Central.
The arrival of Eyitayo Jegede, a two-time PDP governorship candidate, has dramatically boosted the ADC's profile in the state. Jegede's defection triggered a wave of floor-crossings by loyal supporters, party executives, and key political associates across Ondo's 18 local government areas. Prominent figures who followed Jegede out of the PDP include former Board of Trustees (BOT) member Chief Segun Adegoke, incumbent PDP party chairmen for Ondo West and Owo Local Government Areas, and several former political officeholders and lawmakers.
Speaking at his formal reception, Jegede noted that his decision to pitch his tent with the ADC was aimed at liberating the state from the ruling APC. Akure-based political analyst and legal practitioner Alexander Ojo believes Jegede's entry has elevated the ADC's electoral prospects. Ojo observed that Jegede is not joining the ADC as an unknown quantity, but comes with a ready-built political network, dedicated loyalists, cross-state experience, and a track record of contesting for the highest political office in Ondo.
The ADC's rising popularity stems from growing discontent within both the APC and PDP, where internal grievances, limited opportunities, and unresolved disputes have driven political figures toward alternative platforms. The cumulative effect of these high-profile defections is reshaping expectations for 2027. The ADC is no longer viewed as a fringe outfit; the influx of former senators, gubernatorial candidates, lawmakers, and community leaders has substantially raised its political visibility and bargaining power.
Ojo added that the Ondo ADC chapter has also drawn national backing. The recent visit of ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Interim National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola to Akure to formally welcome Jegede underscores the party's expanding national focus on Ondo. However, Ojo cautioned that political popularity alone will not guarantee victory at the polls. The party must build robust grassroots structures, preserve internal cohesion, and present credible candidates.
To become a formidable winning force, the party must quickly consolidate its expanding membership, harmonize competing interests among new entrants, and strengthen ward-level mobilization. The party must also actively engage youth, women, and first-time voters while presenting clear policy alternatives. While the ADC's primary success so far lies in attracting heavyweights from rival parties, its ultimate test will be whether it can convert these political figures into a unified electoral machine capable of unseating the APC in 2027.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the ADC's strategic positioning in Ondo State is likely to play a significant role in shaping the state's political landscape. With its growing profile and national backing, the ADC is poised to challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP in the state. However, the party's ability to sustain its momentum and achieve electoral success remains to be seen.
Key points
- The ADC has attracted high-profile defections from the APC and PDP, including former Senator Patrick Akinyelure and Eyitayo Jegede.
- The party's growing popularity stems from growing discontent within both the APC and PDP.
- The ADC must build robust grassroots structures and present credible candidates to achieve electoral success.
