… Insists friction claims imaginary, mischievous

… Warns against propaganda

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ondo South Senatorial District, Isaacs Kekemeke, has dismissed speculation of a rift between himself and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing the alleged disagreement as the product of “imaginations” fueled by political opponents with ulterior motives.

Kekemeke, who is vying for the Ondo South senatorial seat in 2027, during an interview in Akure, Ondo State capital, over the rumor making the rounds, disclosed that his relationship with the governor remains intact and that there is no basis for the claims of discord circulating in political circles.

The APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest) was responding to widespread speculation that the governor had withdrawn his support following a purported meeting held by some APC members in Okitipupa, headquarters of the Okitipupa Local Council Area, where a candidate of another party was allegedly endorsed.

Kekemeke emphasised that Aiyedatiwa had been instrumental in his emergence as the party’s senatorial standardbearer and that nothing had transpired to alter the dynamic between them.

While denying any form of friction, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the governor as both his benefactor and the leader of the party in the state, while also addressing what he described as “mischievous” attempts by certain elements within the party to create division.

He said, “The truth is the governor remains my benefactor and the leader of our party in the state as it is for all other states when serving governors are leaders of the party. The governor supported me in the primaries; in fact, he was my promoter, and he did everything he could to ensure that I emerged victorious at the party’s primaries. Nothing has happened between me and the governor to change gear, there is no friction.”

Kekemeke further argued that such allegations were based on “false, inadequate, and insufficient information” and were being propagated by those he claimed may have been compelled to support him against their will.

“Based on false, inadequate, and insufficient information and based on presumptions arising from their biased minds, people who were forced to support me but who did not actually support me. Some of them are saying I should not have survived the political onslaught that happened in the state.”

“They forget that at that time I was a candidate. I was deemed to have left the National Working Committee. I was no longer participating, and they tend to forget that the party has a national leader, who is the president and at all times our leader nationally, whatever he wishes prevails. They don’t understand the dynamics of the politics at that time.

“I liken it to people saying that there is an accident, you didn’t die, and because you survived the accident, you must be held responsible for the death of everyone or that when you survived, you should have ensured every other person survived. This is very mischievous and patiently illogical.

“What has happened in Ondo South is nothing; that is a place in history. This happens after every primary election season, so it is not a usual thing. But all I can say is our party is strong, and our party members will not do anything anti-party.”

“Those people who called the meeting of the party could not even tell them the party they were going to, could not even announce the party. Lots of party members went there to listen to hear what they will say and to collect dividends for their past efforts and support. So no qualms at all.”

Kekemeke equally dismissed the notion that Aiyedatiwa could endorse another candidate or party, given his position as the APC leader in the state.

“The governor is not there and couldn’t be there. The governor is our leader. He is the leader of APC. How will a leader of a party go and support another party when APC has a candidate?

“The governor wouldn’t do that. He is still our leader and benefactor. There is a celebration attempt to cause disagreement and disharmony between the governor and me. I will not fall into that trap.”