Ex-NNPP Governorship Candidate, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi, Dumps Kwankwaso’s Party for PDP, Calls Move ‘Patriotic Step to Rebuild Nigeria’

Former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing his decision as a “strategic and patriotic step” towards restoring Nigeria’s unity and hope.

Ajadi made the announcement on Monday during a press conference in Ogun State, where he presented his resignation letter to journalists, marking his formal withdrawal from the NNPP.

Copies of the letter were addressed to key NNPP officials, including the ward and state chairmen, the Southwest zonal chairman, and the national leadership of the party.

Explaining his decision, Ajadi said he had reflected deeply on Nigeria’s political direction and concluded that the PDP provided a wider, more credible platform for genuine transformation.

“My decision to join the Peoples Democratic Party is both strategic and patriotic,” he said.
“I have great respect for the NNPP and what it stands for, but at this point in Nigeria’s history, I believe the PDP offers a stronger platform for national reconciliation, youth empowerment, and true federalism.”

Ajadi, who was NNPP’s governorship flagbearer in the 2023 general elections after stepping down as a presidential aspirant in support of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said his defection was not out of anger but conviction.

“There is no bad blood between me and my former party. I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served under its banner.
But as Nigeria faces economic hardship, unemployment, and leadership challenges, it is time for patriots to unite and rebuild trust in governance.”

Ajadi said the country was in desperate need of leaders who would listen and act selflessly, expressing confidence that his presence in the PDP would energize the party’s grassroots base.

“Nigeria is at a crossroads. We need leaders who can listen to the people and act selflessly. I am confident that my entry into the PDP will strengthen the party’s grassroots base and reawaken hope among ordinary Nigerians,” he added.

Party leaders in the South-West hailed Ajadi’s defection as “a huge boost” to the PDP’s democratic family, describing him as a man of integrity and influence with a strong record in youth mobilization and community development.

Ajadi reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and national service, pledging to work closely with PDP leaders across all levels to promote inclusive governance and peace-building.

“This is not just about party politics,” he said. “It is about rekindling Nigerians’ faith in democracy and ensuring that our people begin to feel the real dividends of good governance.”

His defection comes amid renewed efforts by the PDP to strengthen its base in the South-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.