••• APC denies plot, insists governor respects party primaries; Ojogo dismisses claims as mischief
Strong indications have emerged of a deepening political rift between Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and members of the National Assembly from the state, amid allegations that the governor has moved to block their return to the federal legislature in 2027.
Sources claim the governor recently met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa and allegedly urged him not to support the re-nomination of the nine House of Representatives members and two senators from Ondo State, describing them as “unelectable” and disconnected from their constituencies.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has dismissed the allegations, stating that it is unaware of any move by Governor Aiyedatiwa to seek the replacement of federal lawmakers ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party said there is no plan, arrangement or directive—formal or informal—targeted at replacing any lawmaker at the instance of the governor.
The APC further stressed that candidates for elective offices are chosen through properly conducted primary elections in line with the party’s constitution and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It maintained that the governor does not impose candidates and cannot singlehandedly determine who flies the party’s flag.
Describing the claims as speculative and politically motivated, the party reaffirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to internal democracy, constitutional order and due process.
The statement, signed by the APC Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, emphasized that all aspirants—whether incumbents or newcomers—will have equal opportunity to contest party primaries at the appropriate time.
Despite the official denial, a close aide of the governor reportedly confided that the meeting with President Tinubu provided an opportunity for what he described as a “father and son discussion,” during which Aiyedatiwa allegedly argued that the current federal lawmakers had lost grassroots relevance.
According to the source, the governor pushed for what he termed a “clean slate” ahead of 2027, insisting that fresh hands aligned with his administration’s direction should be given the opportunity to contest.
It was gathered that the governor’s visit to Abuja followed reports of violence during the APC ward congress in Idanre, where two persons were reportedly killed.
While some political actors described the visit as a summons, insiders claimed it was a routine engagement during which broader political matters were discussed.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of an earlier APC stakeholders’ meeting where Governor Aiyedatiwa publicly declared that he had not endorsed or promised party tickets to any aspirant for state or national assembly positions.
He warned party members against rumours capable of causing division and reiterated his respect for internal party democracy.
Meanwhile, one of the lawmakers, Hon. Donald Ojogo, has dismissed the reports as unfounded.
He said he was unaware of any meeting where the governor allegedly made such representations to the President.
Ojogo maintained that those circulating the claims were purveyors of mischief seeking to create friction between the governor and federal lawmakers.
He insisted that the lawmakers maintain a cordial relationship with Governor Aiyedatiwa and urged the public to disregard what he described as opportunistic misinformation.
