How Agboola Ajayi Lost Woefully to Governor Aiyedatiwa  

Agboola Ajayi’s 2024 governorship run in Ondo State was a tragic comedy. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seemed to have handed him a ticket but forgot to give him the “umbrella” to shield him from the storm. In the end, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa rained on Ajayi’s parade, leaving him soaked and shivering at the polls.

Ajayi’s loss wasn’t a quiet stumble; it was a loud crash. Even in his hometown, Ese-Odo, where he should have danced freely, Aiyedatiwa led by nearly double the votes. If home support is a solid roof, Ajayi’s was clearly thatched and leaking profusely.

The PDP’s house was no better—a mansion divided against itself. Ajayi couldn’t rally party members after the primaries, which led to defections by key aspirants. Some switched camps so fast that Ajayi was left standing alone in the cold political market.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a chest bursting with cash, turned the election into a grand auction. Naira notes reportedly flew like confetti at a wedding, while PDP’s financial offerings looked more like pocket change. Voters didn’t just turn their backs on Ajayi; they turned their wallets to the highest bidder.

To make matters worse, Aiyedatiwa had the full backing of Tinubu and nine APC governors. They came, saw, and conquered. With the bonus of incumbency, Aiyedatiwa wooed traditional rulers and community leaders, appointing enough assistants to populate a small village. Ajayi simply couldn’t match the arsenal.

Even former governor Olusegun Mimiko, who might have been Ajayi’s saving grace, stayed as neutral as a referee at a friendly match. Without Mimiko’s endorsement, Ajayi’s chances shrank faster than yam under a goat’s watch.

What’s next for Ajayi? He could return to the drawing board—or perhaps switch parties, again. After all, this is a man who has worn more political jerseys than a football fan on harsh days. For now, though, he’s left to lick his wounds and count his losses.