Jegede, ex-Ondo PDP guber candidate, defects to ADC to boost Atiku’s presidential campaign
Former Ondo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with his supporters, pledging to mobilise support for the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 election.
Atiku, who is the ADC presidential candidate, urged Nigerians to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during a reception for Jegede and his supporters on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State.
The former vice-president accused the APC-led administration of worsening the country’s economic situation and urged Nigerians to support the ADC in 2027.
Addressing party members, Atiku said the gathering was not a campaign rally but promised to return to the state to present the party’s plans to voters. He said the ADC was committed to restoring fuel subsidy and improving security across the country.
“This is not a campaign rally; this is a welcome rally. We are going to come back for a campaign rally. We will let you know what ADC is going to do for you and the next generations of Nigerians. We are committed to returning subsidy. Secondly, we are committed to returning security to all over this country. No part of this country will feel insecure anymore,” Atiku said.
Atiku also compared the country’s current economic situation with the period he served as Vice-President between 1999 and 2007, claiming that Nigeria recorded stronger economic performance during that period. He urged opposition supporters to mobilise voters and protect their votes during the 2027 elections, citing the 2026 Osun State governorship election as an example.
The ADC candidate welcomed Jegede and his supporters into the party, while the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, represented National Chairman David Mark at the event and urged members to mobilise support for ADC candidates.
Jegede said he joined the ADC because of the worsening economic situation, citing unemployment and hardship. He said PDP members loyal to him had also moved to the ADC and pledged to mobilise support for Atiku and other ADC candidates across Ondo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
