A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, has been named Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ondo State.
The development follows his resignation from the APC, conveyed in a letter dated March 25, 2026, and addressed to his ward chairman in Arogbo Ward 1.
In the letter, Peretei said he joined the APC on October 29, 2025, alongside supporters from across the state at an event in Akure, but quickly became disillusioned with internal dynamics within the party.
He cited divisions, sycophancy and misinformation as reasons for his decision to leave, noting that the environment made it difficult to remain.
“Having consulted widely, I have decided to resign my membership of the APC… Henceforth, I align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” he stated.
His emergence as NDC chairman signals a shift in the political landscape in Ondo State, where parties are already positioning ahead of future elections.
Peretei, a journalist-turned-politician, previously served as State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo, where he was involved in shaping party messaging and public engagement. He also contested for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Reacting to the development, party leader Prince Lebile expressed confidence in Peretei’s leadership, saying his experience in media and politics would strengthen the party’s structure and expand its reach across the state.
He added that the appointment comes at a time when the NDC is working to build its presence nationwide, with Ondo identified as a key state for grassroots mobilisation.
Lebile urged party members to support the new chairman, expressing optimism that his leadership would bring cohesion and renewed direction to the party in the state.
