2027: Aiyedatiwa Moves Against Akeredolu’s Men In Ondo APC

By Chibuzo Ukaibe and Damilola Origbemisuyi, Akure

Fresh political tension is brewing in the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and loyalists of the late former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Party sources in Akure, the state capital, alleged that there are ongoing moves to sideline loyalists of the late governor, particularly those in the National Assembly, from securing return tickets.

An insider disclosed that the marginalisation of Akeredolu’s loyalists began during recent party congresses, where they were reportedly excluded from returning to party offices across the state, including in Owo Local Government Area, the late governor’s hometown.

However, Governor Aiyedatiwa dismissed the allegation that he is working against loyalists of his predecessor yesterday, describing it as baseless and illogical.

Reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor stressed that the process of candidate selection rests solely with the party, not the state governor.

However, an APC chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity, accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of plotting to displace federal lawmakers believed to be loyal to his late boss.

The source cited the recent resignation of Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, son of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and his entry into the Ondo Central senatorial race as part of a strategy to unseat the incumbent senator, Niyi Adegbonmire, SAN, over his alleged loyalty to Akeredolu.

It was further gathered that similar political calculations may affect other federal lawmakers, including the son of late Governor Adebayo Adefarati, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati, representing Akoko South West/Akoko South East Federal Constituency; Timehin Adelegbe, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency; and the senator representing Ondo North, Pastor Jide Ipinsagba.

“Adegbonmire is not the only target in Ondo Central. The lawmaker representing Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency, Prince Derin Adesida, is also being targeted,” the source said.

“In Ondo South, following the recent ambassadorial appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there are also moves to prevent Donald Ojogo, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, from returning to the House of Representatives.

“In fact, it is alleged that the governor is backing an alternative aspirant from his own Ugbo ward in Ilaje Local Government Area as Ojogo’s replacement. He is also plotting to replace the member representing Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Festus Adefiranye, due to perceived loyalty to the late Akeredolu,” the source added.

It will be recalled that in January this year, Governor Aiyedatiwa hosted all nine members of the House of Representatives from the state in Akure, where he urged them to prioritise unity, peace, and development.

However, another source at the meeting claimed that the governor expressed dissatisfaction with the stance of some lawmakers during the impeachment crisis he faced while serving as deputy governor.

Although Aiyedatiwa has repeatedly stated that he has no preferred candidates for the APC primaries ahead of 2027, some party stakeholders have dismissed the claim as insincere.

Sources further alleged that backing Taiwo Fasoranti could be a strategic move to secure broader acceptance, particularly at the national level, given his father’s influence.

A party member, who also spoke anonymously, warned that the current internal crisis could destabilise the party if not addressed.

“We are concerned about how the governor is managing party affairs, especially the perceived attempt to sideline anything associated with the late Akeredolu,” the source said.

“Some of the issues were obvious during the APC primaries, where key leaders, including the immediate past state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin was defeated.

“The party appears united for now largely because of President Tinubu’s re-election project. However, beyond that, there are deep cracks that could widen if not properly managed.

“There is no need to sustain divisions over the legacy of a late leader. Reconciliation remains key to strengthening the party and ensuring stability in the state,” the source added.

‎ Aiyedatiwa Dismisses Ticket Denial Claim

Dismissing the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, reiterated that the process of candidate selection rests solely with the party, not the state governor.

‎He explained that party primaries are centrally coordinated, with officials deployed from Abuja to oversee elections from the state Houses of Assembly to the National Assembly, making it impossible for any governor to unilaterally deny aspirants tickets.

According to him, since no primaries have been scheduled or conducted, it is premature and misleading for anyone to claim that individuals are being denied the opportunity to contest.

‎Adeniyan further noted that the party has yet to release guidelines for the primaries or make nomination forms available to aspirants, questioning the basis of the allegations.

‎He said, “Nobody has conducted any primary election, so how can anyone claim the governor is denying people return tickets? The governor is not the party. It is the party that organises and conducts primaries, and until that process begins, such allegations simply do not add up.

‎“Forms are not even out, and guidelines have not been released by the party. So, which ticket is anyone being denied? No aspirant has yet submitted any form, and no primaries have been scheduled. It is therefore illogical and misleading to suggest that anyone has been blocked from contesting.”

‎He argued that without an official timetable or guidelines, any eligible aspirant can still indicate interest in contesting, insisting that no one has been excluded from the process.

‎The governor’s aide also challenged the logic of linking National Assembly members with the late Akeredolu, questioning the nature of such affiliations and whether they confer any special entitlement in the political process.

‎“Meanwhile, what is the correlation between people in the National Assembly and Akeredolu? Are they his children?” he queried.