Party Dismisses Crisis Claims, Insists Ondo APC United Under Aiyedatiwa

Fresh indications have emerged of a brewing crisis within the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, as some party leaders are reportedly considering boycotting the forthcoming congresses over alleged plans by loyalists of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to dominate the process.

The national secretariat of the party had earlier scheduled the congresses to commence nationwide on February 18, beginning with ward congresses.

A party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that aggrieved stakeholders within the state chapter were weighing the option of organising a parallel congress. According to the source, loyalists of the governor, including members of the state executive council and the 18 local government chairmen, had allegedly compiled lists of prospective ward, local government and state executives without consulting other influential blocs within the party.

The source further alleged that those sidelined include supporters of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as the two ministers from the state, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo and Engr Olawande Ayodele, among other senior party figures.

The compilation of the list was reportedly coordinated by the governor’s Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Hon Babatunde Kolawole.

The party leader warned that the situation, if not urgently addressed by the national leadership, could escalate and weaken the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the source, many aggrieved leaders have chosen to keep the matter from the public space out of loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a desire not to undermine his re election prospects.

The development was also linked to an alleged cold rivalry between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, over party supremacy in the state. According to the party source, Tunji Ojo, regarded as a key financier of several support groups backing President Tinubu’s re election, has been accused by the governor’s loyalists of using those platforms to gain political leverage.

Another party leader described the calm within the state chapter as deceptive. According to him, while the party may appear united publicly, underlying tensions persist. He warned that if certain executive positions are not conceded to other leaders, parallel congresses may become unavoidable, leaving the courts to determine the legitimacy of any outcome.

The aggrieved leaders therefore called on the national leadership of the APC to intervene swiftly to ensure fairness and credible congresses, warning that failure to do so could leave the party divided ahead of future elections.

However, the Ondo State APC dismissed claims of a looming crisis. The Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, described reports of a possible parallel congress as misleading and unfounded.

According to him, there is no division or faction within the party in the state, and no plan to conduct any parallel congress. He stated that such claims were deliberate attempts to create unnecessary tension and misinform the public.

Otaloro maintained that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains the undisputed leader of the APC in Ondo State, just as President Tinubu is the national leader of the party. He added that the party’s leadership structure is clearly defined and rooted in constitutional provisions and party supremacy.

He also refuted allegations that the governor or his aides were compiling or imposing executive lists, insisting that the APC operates through established procedures that promote inclusiveness, consultation and consensus building.

According to him, ward, local government and state congresses in Ondo will be conducted strictly in line with guidelines issued by the national leadership.

The party spokesman further rejected claims that critical stakeholders had been sidelined, describing the APC in Ondo as a united political family where all legitimate members are respected.

He assured party members and the public that the forthcoming congresses would be free, fair, transparent and credible, stressing that Governor Aiyedatiwa is committed to due process and democratic principles.

Otaloro reiterated that the APC in Ondo State remains united and focused on consolidating its progressive agenda and strengthening its chances in future elections.