Ayo Akinyelure, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District, has clarified that his recent meeting with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was not a negotiation for political support or an attempt to secure personal favours. The meeting, which sparked speculation about a potential alliance, was actually to determine whether Akinyelure could secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 general elections. Akinyelure, a former senator who represented Ondo Central in the 7th and 9th National Assemblies, stated that the governor informed him that the party had already decided on its candidate and he would not be considered.
Akinyelure's meeting with Governor Aiyedatiwa was prompted by his desire to know if he could still secure the APC ticket to return to the Senate in 2027. According to Akinyelure, the governor told him that the party had already considered who would receive the Ondo Central senatorial ticket and that he would not be considered. Akinyelure appreciated the governor for being direct with him, arguing that the governor could have promised him support without intending to deliver on it. This meeting took place after photographs of Akinyelure with the governor and other dignitaries at a church service at the Government House Chapel in Akure sparked speculation about a potential alliance.
Akinyelure defected from the APC to the ADC earlier in May, citing a denial of a fair opportunity to contest for the 2027 senatorial ticket. He stated that his defection was triggered by the APC's decision to reserve the ticket for preferred aspirants. The ADC approached him after it became clear that he could not secure the APC ticket and offered him a platform to pursue his political ambition. Akinyelure emphasized that his decision to move to the ADC was driven by his desire to remain politically active and continue representing the interests of people in Ondo Central.
Akinyelure's defection to the ADC was not motivated by an arrangement with Governor Aiyedatiwa or a broader plan against the APC. He stated that anybody in Ondo Central who believes he represented them well can vote for him irrespective of their political party. Akinyelure's senatorial bids have been marked by challenges, including his failure to return to the National Assembly in 2015 after losing his re-election bid to Tayo Alasoadura of the APC.
Akinyelure's political career has been characterized by ups and downs. He first failed to return to the National Assembly in 2015 and then worked behind the scenes to rebuild his political base before staging a successful comeback in 2019. However, he failed to secure the PDP ticket during the party's primary election ahead of the 2023 general elections. Akinyelure served out his legislative mandate before officially resigning from the PDP in June 2023 and eventually joining the ADC in mid-2026.
Akinyelure is currently campaigning as the ADC's senatorial candidate, aiming to reclaim his seat in the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that his focus is on providing good representation for the people of Ondo Central, regardless of their political party affiliation. Akinyelure's move to the ADC has been seen as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, with many watching to see how his candidacy will play out.
The development has also sparked reactions from various stakeholders in the APC, with some chieftains opposing Akinyelure's senatorial ambition. A petition was submitted to Yilwatda, highlighting concerns about Akinyelure's bid. Governor Aiyedatiwa has denied allegations that he is working with Akinyelure, further clarifying the situation.
Key points
- Ayo Akinyelure denies entering into a political agreement with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
- Akinyelure defected from the APC to the ADC in May, citing a denial of a fair opportunity to contest for the 2027 senatorial ticket.
- Akinyelure aims to reclaim his senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections as the ADC's candidate.
