A sharp political rift is brewing in the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a heated exchange between the Asiwaju Media Team and former Senator Ayo Akinyelure over the constitutional eligibility of Governor LuckyAiyedatiwa to contest for another term in office.
The controversy, which has ignited debates across political circles and social media, began after Senator Akinyelure, a two-term lawmaker who represented Ondo Central Senatorial District, argued that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) bars Aiyedatiwa from seeking another term, warning against what he described as “a clear contravention of the Constitution.”
According to Akinyelure, Section 182(3) of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that “a person who was sworn in as Governor to complete the term of which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such office more than a single term.”
He explained that Governor Aiyedatiwa, having been sworn in to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in February 2025 and subsequently elected to serve another four-year term till 2029, would have served for nine years if allowed to run again.
“The Constitution is clear — no single person can govern a state for more than eight years,” Akinyelure maintained.
“With simple mathematics, 5+4 equals 9. Any attempt to stretch his tenure beyond that is unconstitutional. Those encouraging Governor Aiyedatiwa to run again are only seeking legal fortune, not justice,” he added.
But in a swift reaction, the Asiwaju Media Team, in a statement signed by its Ondo State Chapter, condemned Akinyelure’s comments as “misleading, unnecessary, and politically motivated,” accusing the ex-senator and other political gladiators of attempting to distract the governor from his developmental agenda.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa was sworn in barely a few months ago in February 2025. Instead of joining hands to strengthen the party and consolidate governance, some politicians are already chasing shadows of 2029,” the statement read.
The group described Akinyelure’s intervention as part of a larger anti-party strategy by some “Abuja-based politicians,” including “a serving Minister with corruption-related scandals,” who it claimed are constructing parallel structures to undermine the APC in Ondo State.
“When they were trusted by the President, they sold party opportunities to non-members and manipulated appointment lists,” the team alleged.
“Now that they’ve lost relevance, they want to destabilize the state chapter through propaganda. Enough of distractions — let’s build Ondo State together.”
The Asiwaju Media Team reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa, describing them as symbols of reform and progress.
“President Tinubu remains the symbol of national renewal. Governor Aiyedatiwa is a loyal son of the party who has stabilized governance and reconciled aggrieved members. Those sponsoring false narratives from Abuja are simply engaging in anti-party activities,” the team said.
While Akinyelure insisted that his position was purely constitutional and not politically motivated, the Asiwaju Team interpreted it as a calculated distraction aimed at derailing governance in Ondo State.
“Whatever anyone wishes to become politically can only be achieved through unity, loyalty, and respect for existing party structures led by the Governor. Abuja cannot replace the state of origin,” the Team cautioned.
Political analysts say the exchange reflects growing tension within the APC in Ondo State ahead of the 2028 Governorship election, as internal alignments begin to emerge despite Governor Aiyedatiwa’s short time in office.
“The coming months will test the Governor’s grip on the APC structure in the state,” said one observer. “The constitutional debate may just be a prelude to a deeper power struggle.”
1 comment
This politicians are so foolish. They are discussing about 2028 when we are still in 2025