Ondo APC Elders Urge Aiyedatiwa, Tunji-Ojo Supporters to Avoid Division Ahead of 2027

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

The Ondo APC Elders Forum said the governor and the minister could maintain separate political structures while still working towards a common objective, particularly the mobilisation of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The Chairman of the forum, Demola Ijabiyi, made the appeal on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during the group’s monthly meeting.

Ijabiyi acknowledged concerns over the reported differences between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo, but said the two political leaders remained important to the party’s efforts in the state.

He said both leaders were ultimately working towards securing strong electoral support from Ondo State for President Tinubu.

According to him, Governor Aiyedatiwa remains the leader of the APC in Ondo State and has the responsibility of coordinating party activities and mobilising members across the state’s 18 local government areas.

He, however, noted that Tunji-Ojo, as a member of the Federal Executive Council and a prominent political figure from the state, also commands significant political support that could complement the governor’s efforts.

Ijabiyi stressed that the different political structures associated with the two leaders should be viewed as complementary rather than competing platforms.

He noted that the existence of separate political structures did not automatically mean that the APC was divided, recalling that different campaign structures operated during the 2023 presidential election campaign that produced Tinubu.

“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,” he said.

The APC elder, however, warned against unhealthy rivalry, saying neither political camp should use its platform to undermine the other.

He also appealed to supporters of Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo to refrain from inflammatory comments or actions capable of creating the impression of an open political conflict between the two leaders.

Ijabiyi emphasised that supporting one leader should not translate into hostility towards the other.

He said the Ondo APC Elders Forum would remain neutral in any political contest between the governor and the minister, maintaining that its primary concern was unity and cooperation among party leaders and members.

“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 stated.

The elders’ appeal comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC expected to mobilise its structures and supporters across Ondo State and other parts of the country.

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