Aiyedatiwa Speaks on Alleged Plot to Back Opposition Candidates Against APC

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has denied allegations that he is working against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Aiyedatiwa said he had never directed any APC member or candidate to leave the party and contest elections on the platform of an opposition party.

The governor spoke on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a stakeholders’ meeting with APC chairmen from the 18 local government areas and 203 wards in the state.

The meeting focused largely on strengthening the party at the grassroots and preparing its structures for the 2027 elections.

The governor dismissed the claims and said those behind the allegations were only trying to create confusion within the party.

He made it clear that he would not support any action capable of weakening the APC in the state.

“Some people are spreading falsehoods against me. I did not ask any candidate to contest in any other party; it is all lies.

Those accusing me are naysayers, blackmailers and slanderers.

“I have zero tolerance for anti-party activities. I have never engaged in anti-party activities in my life. So, no to anti-party activities. Let’s support Mr President and all the candidates of our party,” he said.

The governor also called on APC members to remain united as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

According to him, the party cannot afford internal divisions if it wants to maintain its political strength in Ondo State.

He particularly placed responsibility on the ward and local government structures, saying the success of the APC would depend heavily on how effectively its leaders mobilise voters at the grassroots.

Aiyedatiwa reminded the 203 ward chairmen that polling units remained the most important points in any election.

He therefore urged them to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure that party structures remained active in their respective areas.

“Elections are won at the polling units, and the polling units are right there in the wards, and you are the ward chairmen. Very, very important. You are occupying a significant role in the party structure,” he charged.

The governor directed ward chairmen and secretaries to organise regular meetings with other party leaders.

He said such meetings should be used to discuss the affairs of the party, strengthen mobilisation and prepare members for the coming elections.

Aiyedatiwa, however, warned that the meetings must not become platforms for activities capable of undermining the APC.

He said the focus should remain on building a stronger party structure and mobilising support for the party’s candidates.

The governor also appealed to party members to support President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates during the 2027 elections.

His position is coming at a time when political parties are gradually beginning to reposition their structures ahead of the next general election.

In Ondo, the APC is seeking to consolidate its position across the state by strengthening its ward and local government structures.

The governor’s meeting with the party’s grassroots leaders was therefore seen as part of efforts to maintain unity within the party before the election season becomes more intense.

The governor also reflected on his political history while responding to allegations of disloyalty.

Earlier, the APC state chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, called on party members to remain loyal to both the governor and the APC.

Kolawole said loyalty was particularly important as the party begins its preparations for the 2027 elections.

He urged the local government and ward chairmen to support all APC candidates and work towards achieving overwhelming support for the party across the state.

The state chairman also issued his own warning against anti-party activities.

Kolawole said the party had gathered information about alleged acts of disloyalty by some members and warned that those found responsible would face appropriate consequences.

He expressed confidence that the APC would win the presidential, National Assembly and Ondo State House of Assembly elections in the state in 2027.

Kolawole also praised Aiyedatiwa for strengthening the internal structures of the party.

He listed the reactivation of party organs, including the State Executive Committee, Caucus and Elders Council, among measures that would help improve coordination within the APC.

The chairman further commended the governor for approving regular meetings at the ward level.

According to him, the meetings would give party members an opportunity to discuss their concerns and improve communication between the leadership and the grassroots.

Kolawole also disclosed that the allowances of ward and local government party chairmen had been increased by 100 per cent.

He added that state party executives had also received an increase in their allowances.

Speaking on behalf of the 18 local government chairmen, Oluwadare Fadumo commended the governor for his support for the party structures and local councils.

Fadumo said government projects and empowerment programmes had benefited different groups across the state, including youths and market women.

He also welcomed the increase in allowances for party officials, describing it as a development that had generated excitement among members.

“We want to thank you because this is the first time this is happening in the history of politics in Ondo State,” Fadumo said.