Two main opposition leaders in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi, are to lead the state chapter of the newly launched African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Messrs Jegede and Ajayi were the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2020 and 2024 governorship elections of the state, respectively.

Bode Ayorinde, a former member of the House of Representatives and a former chieftain of the PDP, disclosed this on Tuesday during the inauguration of members of the state’s coalition structure in Akure.

Mr Ayorinde listed other leaders of the coalition, including former Ondo South Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, former PDP State chairman Tola Alabere, former PDP publicity secretary Kennedy Peretei, and Sola Agboola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

He explained that the coming of the opposition figures and leaders in the ADC is a reflection of growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling APC.

“Our membership cards will be shared around the state, wards, and the LGA. We’re not sharing any money here but to work and gain power,” Mr Ayorinde said.

Mr Peretei described the emergence of the coalition as necessary and timely, saying the PDP structures have been completely dissolved into the ADC.

He said the party’s influence is fading in parts of the state, adding that, “This is not just about big names joining a new party. It is about responding to the urgent need for political direction in Ondo and in Nigeria at large.

“There was a fear that Nigeria might slip into a one-party system, but that fear is quickly fading. The ruling party knows the tide is turning.”

On his part, Mr Agboola of the SDP said those attending the coalition were doing so in private capacities, not on behalf of their parties.

“So, people who are identified as political technocrats are invited, and that is why people like us are here.

“And we are not just here. It is because of the prevailing situation in the country. Everybody is disjointed because nobody is satisfied at all,” he said.