Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, are embroiled in a friction that observers describe as a family dispute rather than an ordinary rivalry. Both men owe their current political standing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Aiyedatiwa, in particular, has a well-documented history of survival in the state's politics. In 2023, as deputy governor, he faced an impeachment attempt backed by all 26 members of the Ondo Assembly due to factional fighting around the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
President Tinubu intervened, summoning both sides to Abuja and ordering the impeachment attempt dropped. This intervention allowed Aiyedatiwa to remain in office, succeed Akeredolu upon his death, and later win a term of his own. On the other hand, Tunji-Ojo's path to his current position was different but also traces back to Tinubu. The President appointed him Minister of Interior in August 2023, giving him a national platform. As Minister, Tunji-Ojo has made significant strides, including clearing passport backlogs and automating immigration systems.
Analysts argue that despite both men owing their current positions to Tinubu, they have not developed a shared strategy for advancing the President's 2027 project. Aiyedatiwa is building Ondo for Tinubu 2027 through the machinery of incumbency. In contrast, Tunji-Ojo is funding parallel groups, including the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu, drawing on federal resources and independent mobilisation networks. This disjointed approach has raised concerns among party members and observers.
The Ondo APC chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, has called both men brothers working toward the same goal, aiming to lower the temperature around a dispute that has already disrupted the party's National Assembly consensus arrangements in the state. Kolawole's statement underscores the practical argument for cooperation between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo. With Aiyedatiwa controlling the party structure and government machinery, and Tunji-Ojo controlling grassroots networks, their combined efforts could cover more ground than either does alone.
The current friction between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo has significant implications for the APC in Ondo State. Their collaboration is crucial for the party's success in future elections, particularly in 2027. If they fail to work together, it may create opportunities for opposition parties to gain ground in the state. Furthermore, their disjointed approach may undermine Tinubu's 2027 project, which relies heavily on the support of key stakeholders in Ondo State.
Despite the challenges, there are indications that both men are willing to work together. Recently, they have been engaging in behind-the-scenes talks to resolve their differences. However, it remains to be seen whether they can develop a shared strategy that leverages their respective strengths. The outcome of these talks will be crucial in determining the future of the APC in Ondo State and the success of Tinubu's 2027 project.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo is essential for the success of Tinubu's 2027 project in Ondo State. Their combined efforts can help to mobilize grassroots support, secure party structures, and ultimately deliver the state for the APC in 2027. As the party prepares for future elections, it is imperative that both men put aside their differences and work towards a common goal.
Key points
- Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo must collaborate to advance Tinubu's 2027 project in Ondo State.
- The current friction between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo has significant implications for the APC in Ondo State.
- Aiyedatiwa controls party structure and government machinery, while Tunji-Ojo controls grassroots networks that reach voters.
