Ondo APC Elders Caution Aiyedatiwa, Tunji-Ojo Supporters Against Division
Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have called on supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to refrain from any conduct that could widen cracks within the party as the 2027 general election approaches.
The Ondo APC Elders Forum, which issued the warning, noted that the two leaders may maintain separate political structures while still pursuing the shared goal of delivering votes for President Bola Tinubu.
The forum's chairman, Demola Ijabiyi, made the remarks on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, at the group's monthly meeting.
According to him, there has been considerable talk about division within the Ondo APC, especially concerning the relationship between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, 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," Ijabiyi said.
He described Aiyedatiwa as the party's leader in the state, with the responsibility of uniting and mobilising members across all 18 local government areas.
At the same time, he said Tunji-Ojo, as a member of the Federal Executive Council and a leading political figure in Ondo, commands substantial support that could strengthen the governor's efforts.
"These positions should complement each other, not compete against each other," he added.
Ijabiyi argued that having different political structures does not automatically translate to a divided party, pointing to the separate campaign organisations that functioned during Tinubu's 2023 presidential bid.
"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.
Nevertheless, he cautioned against unhealthy rivalry and the use of one political platform to undermine another.
He also appealed to supporters of both leaders to stop making statements or engaging in conduct that could give 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 stated that the elders' forum would not take sides in any contest between the governor and the minister, stressing that its priority remains cooperation among APC leaders and Tinubu's re-election.
"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," he said.
"Our loyalty is to the common cause. Our candidate is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our assignment is his overwhelming re-election."
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