The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has been thrown into a fresh crisis following allegations of anti-party activities by some members of the state executive and political appointees of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. These members are accused of working against candidates recognised by the party's National Working Committee ahead of the 2027 general elections. This development has heightened tension within the ruling party, especially after the controversy that trailed the National Assembly primaries and the subsequent review of some candidates' names by the APC national leadership.
At the centre of the latest dispute is the State APC Women Leader, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, who is allegedly facing possible disciplinary action, including suspension. This is due to her alleged refusal to align with Governor Aiyedatiwa's position on some of the disputed candidates. Sources within the party claim that Iji-Ayeola was expected to abide by the governor's position but continued to identify with the candidates backed by the National Working Committee. This has led to the consideration of her suspension.
The disagreement is also linked to controversy surrounding an 18-seater Hiace bus allocated to APC women leaders in the 36 states by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. In Ondo State, the vehicle meant for the APC Women Leader was handed over to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Bosede Seun Osamaye, who is alleged to be closer to the governor. This move has added another layer to the growing controversy over the governor's political camp.
The fresh allegations follow the October 6 campaign rally of the Social Democratic Party candidate for the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye. Adefisoye, a former member of the House of Representatives, formally commenced his campaign in Idanre with party leaders, supporters, and other stakeholders in attendance. An APC chieftain in Idanre alleged that several political appointees of Aiyedatiwa attended the rally, with some allegedly appearing in SDP colours.
According to the APC chieftain, the governor cannot exonerate himself from these allegations of anti-party activities. The over 1,800 aides he recently appointed are suspected to be for anti-party activities. In Idanre, the majority of the people appointed as SSAs and SAs are supporters of the SDP House of Representatives candidate. This raises questions about how those appointees will work for the APC candidate.
The rift within the Ondo APC has significant implications for the 2027 general elections. If the party fails to present a united front, it may affect its chances of winning in the state. The situation has also raised concerns about the governor's leadership and his ability to manage the party's internal conflicts.
The party's national leadership has yet to comment on the situation. However, it is clear that the Ondo APC is facing a critical challenge in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The party must address these internal conflicts and present a united front to ensure its success in the state.
Key points
- The Ondo State APC is facing a fresh crisis due to allegations of anti-party activities by some members of the state executive and political appointees of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
- The State APC Women Leader, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, is allegedly facing possible disciplinary action, including suspension, over her alleged refusal to align with Governor Aiyedatiwa's position on some of the disputed candidates.
- The rift within the Ondo APC has significant implications for the 2027 general elections, and the party must address these internal conflicts to ensure its success in the state.
