2027: Ondo APC elders warn Aiyedatiwa, Tunji-Ojo supporters against division

Ondo APC elders at the party’s monthly meeting in Akure, where they called for unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Elders of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have urged supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The elders, under the aegis of the Ondo APC Elders Forum, said the two political leaders could operate separate structures while still working towards the same objective of mobilising votes for President Bola Tinubu.

The Chairman of the forum, Demola Ijabiyi, stated this on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, during the group’s monthly meeting.

He said, “Much is being said about division within the APC in Ondo State, particularly regarding the relationship between our Governor, His Excellency Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Minister of Interior, our son, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“As elders, we acknowledge this perception. But we also know that both leaders are working towards the same overriding objective: securing massive votes from Ondo State for President Tinubu’s re-election.”

The APC chieftain described Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the party in the state, saying the governor was responsible for uniting and mobilising members across the 18 local government areas.

He, however, said Tunji-Ojo, as a member of the Federal Executive Council and a prominent political figure in the state, also had considerable support that could complement the governor’s efforts.

“These positions should complement each other, not compete against each other,” he added.

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He argued that the existence of different political structures did not necessarily mean the party was divided, citing the separate campaign structures that operated during Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign.

“There is therefore nothing inherently wrong with the governor leading one structure while the honourable minister leads another, provided both remain committed to President Tinubu’s re-election and the overall success of the APC,” Ijabiyi said.

Ijabiyi, however, warned against unhealthy rivalry and the use of one political platform to undermine another.

He also appealed to supporters of the two leaders to stop making statements or engaging in conduct that could create the impression of open conflict between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo.

“Genuine support for one leader must not be expressed through hostility towards the other,” he said.

Ijabiyi said the elders’ forum would not take sides in any contest between the governor and the minister, adding that its priority was cooperation among APC leaders and the re-election of Tinubu.

‎”The elders’ forum will not join any contest between the governor and the minister. We recognise and respect the important roles of both men and shall continue to encourage cooperation among all APC leaders and tendencies in Ondo State.

“Our loyalty is to the common cause. Our candidate is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our assignment is his overwhelming re-election,” Ijabiyi said.