‎2027: Ondo APC Elders Question Aiyedatiwa’s Commitment to Tinubu’s Re-election ‎

‎The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has questioned Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election has fallen short of expectations.

‎The forum, however, commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what it described as his consistent grassroots mobilisation and efforts at strengthening public support for the APC in the state.

‎Addressing journalists in Akure on Wednesday, Chairman of the forum, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, said the group deemed it necessary to speak on developments within the ruling party as campaigns for the 2027 elections draw near.

‎According to him, although Aiyedatiwa remains the leader of the APC in Ondo State and is expected to play a major role in mobilising support for the President, the forum was worried about “both the intensity and the visibility of that commitment.”

‎He said, “We have carefully observed the Governor’s various attempts to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Unfortunately, these efforts have amounted largely to announcements without corresponding political impact.

‎”His Governor’s Advisory Council has remained largely dormant and ineffective, while his visible public engagement and leadership on the forthcoming elections have been strikingly inadequate.”

‎Ijabiyi also claimed that many of the governor’s support groups had become inactive shortly after they were launched and alleged that the governor’s dissatisfaction with the emergence of some National Assembly and State House of Assembly candidates could affect the party’s cohesion.

‎The forum expressed concern over reports and photographs showing Aiyedatiwa hosting a prominent opposition senatorial candidate, saying such actions had raised questions among party members about loyalty and commitment at a time when unity was critical.

‎It urged the governor to allow full local government autonomy, alleging that council funds remained under the effective control of the state government despite the constitutional push for financial independence.

‎”The most critical arena of political mobilisation remains the grassroots. We therefore urge the Governor to allow the full and unhindered operation of local government autonomy.

‎”More than ever before, we need our councils to function maximally, deliver dividends of democracy and connect government directly with the people,” Ijabiyi said.

‎The APC elders, however, praised Tunji-Ojo, describing him as one of the strongest promoters of the party in Ondo State. According to the forum, the minister has continued to mobilise support for President Tinubu through grassroots engagement, support for political groups and humanitarian interventions across the state.

‎”We acknowledge that Dr. Tunji-Ojo has played a significant role in protecting the party from political decline and in strengthening public confidence in the APC. He has been actively mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ijabiyi stated.

‎The elders also appealed to supporters of both Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo to end their public disagreements, urging all aggrieved party members to embrace reconciliation and work together for the victory of the APC.

They disclosed that more than 5,000 elderly residents had so far benefited from their ongoing medical outreach programme funded by Tunji-Ojo, insisting that the party must prioritise unity and grassroots mobilisation to secure victory in the 2027 elections.