APC CONGRESSES: CRISIS LOOMS IN ONDO, PARALLEL EXERCISE FEARED

 APC CONGRESSES: CRISIS LOOMS IN ONDO, PARALLEL EXERCISE FEARED


Tension is rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State ahead of the party’s congresses, following threats by some stakeholders to boycott the exercise over alleged attempts by loyalists of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to dominate the process. Concerns are also mounting over reports that certain Abuja-based actors may conduct a parallel congress in the state.

The national timetable released by the APC indicates that ward congresses nationwide are scheduled to begin on February 18. Party sources alleged that supporters of Governor Aiyedatiwa, including members of his cabinet and the 18 local government chairmen, have compiled lists of prospective ward, local government, and state executives without consulting other key party blocs.

Those reportedly sidelined include supporters of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, members of the State and National Assemblies, the state’s two ministers — Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Engr. Olawande Ayodele — and other influential party leaders. Unverified reports also suggest that the APC National Vice Chairman for the South-West, Dr Isaac Kekemeke, from Ondo State, was not involved in the alleged list compilation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, dismissed the claims, stating that no party leader in the state was excluded. “All ward leaders are responsible for selecting their officers through consensus. That of my ward was done yesterday, and all the leaders in the ward signed. Nobody has been excluded,” Adeniyan said.

Despite this assurance, party insiders claim the compilation of lists was coordinated by one of the governor’s special advisers. “The party at the national level must pay closer attention to Ondo State. A crisis is brewing, and if care is not taken, it may split the party and negatively affect its chances in the 2027 general elections,” one source said.

The source added that dissatisfaction stems from perceived attempts by the governor to exert total control over the party’s structure, sidelining leaders who were instrumental in establishing the APC in the state. Reports also link the internal tensions to a political rivalry between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over party supremacy.

“While the APC in Ondo State appears calm to the public, the reality is different. If the governor refuses to concede some party executive positions to other leaders, parallel congresses may become inevitable. Ultimately, the courts may have to determine the authenticity of the exercise,” the source warned.

The insiders urged the APC national leadership to intervene promptly, stressing that free and credible congresses remain the only way to prevent internal divisions and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

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