2027: Ondo APC crisis deepens over SDP rally

Women leader faces possible suspension over NWC-backed candidates

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AKURE — The crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has deepened following allegations that some political appointees of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa attended a campaign rally organised by a Social Democratic Party, SDP, candidate for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.

The development has renewed allegations of anti-party activities within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The SDP candidate, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, who was denied the APC ticket, defected to the SDP and formally commenced his campaign in Idanre on October 6, with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders in attendance.

Concerns were subsequently raised over the alleged presence of some political appointees of Governor Aiyedatiwa and APC executives at the rally.

An APC chieftain in Idanre, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that several of the governor’s aides attended the event, with some allegedly wearing SDP colours.

The chieftain claimed that the development raised questions about the commitment of the appointees to the APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said, “On Tuesday, when Hon. Adefisoye held a rally in Idanre, many of these Aiyedatiwa’s aides attended. They did not even hide it; they also wore SDP attire.

“We have their photographs and videos. The most shameful aspect was that the APC Youth Leader in Idanre also attended and wore the SDP cap.”

The chieftain further alleged that some of the governor’s appointees were supporters of the SDP candidate.

However, the allegations have not been independently verified.

NWC-backed candidates face opposition

The controversy comes amid disagreements within the state APC over candidates recognised by the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, following disputes arising from the National Assembly primaries and subsequent review of some candidates’ names by the national leadership.

Vanguard gathered that some members of the state executive and political appointees had also been accused of working against candidates recognised by the NWC.

The State APC Women Leader, Princess Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, is also reportedly facing possible disciplinary action, including suspension, over her alleged refusal to align with the position attributed to the governor on the disputed candidates.

A party source claimed that the move was linked to her continued support for candidates recognised by the NWC despite an alleged directive that members of the state executive should not support them.

The source said, “She was expected to abide by the governor’s position, but she continued to identify with the candidates backed by the NWC. That is why the issue of her suspension is now being considered.”

The source also linked the disagreement to controversy surrounding an 18-seater Hiace bus reportedly allocated to APC women leaders in the 36 states by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the source, while similar buses were distributed to women leaders in other states, the one meant for the Ondo APC Women Leader was allegedly handed over to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bosede Seun Osamaye.

The source alleged that the commissioner was considered closer to the governor and was involved in women mobilisation efforts for National Assembly candidates outside the APC.

These allegations could not be independently verified.

Aiyedatiwa denies anti-party activities

Governor Aiyedatiwa has repeatedly denied allegations that he is sponsoring candidates against the APC.

The governor has declared that he has “zero tolerance for anti-party” activities and urged party members to support President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

However, while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Aiyedatiwa said there was nothing wrong with the Rainbow Coalition associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, provided its objective was to support Tinubu’s re-election.

Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State remained “APC all the way,” while maintaining that he had no problem with Wike or the coalition.

“Politics is about interests, relationships, alliances, if you like. So, Rainbow Coalition being led by Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike, there is nothing wrong with having a coalition or alliances; it’s all about interests, who wants to be part of that, you choose,” he said.

He added that if the coalition was operating as a support group for Tinubu, “what is wrong with that? Nothing.”

The governor had also, at an APC stakeholders’ meeting with local government and ward chairmen in Akure in September, denied asking any APC member or candidate to contest under another political platform.

“I did not ask any candidate to contest in any other party; it is all lies,” he said, while reiterating his support for the APC and its candidates.