The crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deepened on Wednesday as a group of party elders rejected Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s reconciliation committee, describing the initiative as lacking credibility, saying that the governor has shown insufficient commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The elders, under the aegis of the PBAT Elders Mandate Forum, said they were unaware of the existence of any reconciliation committee, insisting that the governor’s peace moves had failed to address the grievances fuelling the crisis within the ruling party.
Addressing journalists in Akure, the chairman of the forum, Chief Demola Ijabiyi, accused Aiyedatiwa of placing personal political interests above the collective goal of securing victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
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He described the governor’s reconciliation efforts as political theatre intended to create an impression of unity while deep divisions continue to persist within the party.
Ijabiyi expressed concern over what he termed the governor’s lukewarm mobilisation for President Tinubu and other APC candidates, alleging that Aiyedatiwa’s dissatisfaction over the emergence of National Assembly candidates who were not his preferred choices had affected his commitment to the party’s electoral success.
According to him, several support groups unveiled by the governor had failed to make meaningful political impact, while his advisory council had remained inactive despite the need for sustained grassroots mobilisation.
He said, “We have carefully observed the governor’s various attempts to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Unfortunately, these efforts have amounted largely to announcements without corresponding political impact.
“He has unveiled several support groups with considerable fanfare, only for them to fizzle out almost immediately after their launch.
“His governor’s advisory council has remained largely dormant and ineffective, while his visible public engagement and leadership on the forthcoming elections have been strikingly inadequate.
“At a time when strong coordination, sustained grassroots mobilisation and energetic political leadership are required, the level of commitment and effectiveness demonstrated so far by him has fallen far short of expectations.
“Furthermore, it is no secret that the governor is dissatisfied with the non-emergence of many of his preferred candidates for the National Assembly and with the reduction of his influence in the emergence of some State House of Assembly candidates.
“Recently, many party faithful were disturbed by reports and photographs showing the governor hosting a prominent opposition senatorial candidate and allowing such images to enter the public domain.
“Whatever the circumstances, such actions create unnecessary doubts about commitment and loyalty at a time when party unity and discipline are paramount.”
The forum further alleged that the governor remained unhappy with the outcome of the APC National Assembly and State House of Assembly candidate selection processes and warned that such grievances could undermine the party’s electoral fortunes.
Ijabiyi also claimed that local government councils in the state were being financially constrained, alleging that their funds remained under the effective control of the state government.
The elders also questioned the political implications of reports and photographs showing the governor hosting a prominent opposition senatorial candidate, saying the development had created doubts among party faithful over his loyalty to the APC.
While criticising the governor, the forum praised the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what it described as his unwavering commitment to strengthening the APC and mobilising support for President Tinubu across Ondo.
According to the elders, the minister’s backing of grassroots political groups, humanitarian interventions and performance in office have continued to boost the image of both the party and the state.
“Today, in the political perception of many citizens of Ondo State, Dr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has emerged as one of the strongest promoters of our party.
“We acknowledge that he has played a significant role in protecting the party from political decline and strengthening public confidence in the APC.
“He has been actively mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through numerous political and grassroots support groups, while many individuals and communities have benefited from his generosity and interventions.
“We respectfully invite Mr. President to recognise and encourage him and others genuinely working for the success of the party. Today, BTO is the Nile of our party’s Egypt; as they say, ‘No Nile, No Egypt,’” the forum stated.
The elders, however, urged supporters of both Governor Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo to avoid further hostilities, stressing that internal divisions would only weaken the APC ahead of the next general elections.
“We are aware of the perceived dichotomy between the governor and Dr. Tunji-Ojo, and we have noticed the increasing exchange of attacks between their supporters.
“We see no benefit in this development. Our overriding task is to secure victory for the APC and deliver overwhelming votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the forum added.