… Hail Tunji-Ojo as party’s lifeline Ondo

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter, took a new twist on Wednesday as elders of the party dismissed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s reconciliation efforts as insincere, stressing that the governor is not committed to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the state.

According to the elders under the aegis of PBAT Elders Mandate Forum, Aiyedatiwa reconciliation committee remains unknown to them, accusing him of prioritising personal grievances over the collective interest of the party.

While speaking during a press briefing in Akure, the state capital, the chairman of the forum, Demola Ijabiyi, expressed concern over what he described as the governor’s lukewarm attitude toward mobilising support for Tinubu and other APC candidates in the state.

Ijabiyi described the governor’s purported moves as “political theatre” designed to create an illusion of unity while deep divisions fester beneath the surface of the party.

The elders pointed to the governor’s displeasure over the emergence of National Assembly candidates who were not his preferred choices, noting that the dissatisfaction has translated into a lacklustre commitment, with the governor allegedly nursing grievances rather than rallying support for all APC candidates.

Ijabiyi, who expressed apprehension that the governor’s perceived reluctance to fully back the candidates could jeopardise the party’s chances in the upcoming elections, alleged that local government councils are being financially constrained, with their funds remaining “under the effective control of the state government”.

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. He has unveiled several support groups with considerable fanfare, only for them to fizzle out almost immediately after their launch.

“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. At a time when strong coordination, sustained grassroots mobilisation and energetic political leadership are required, the level of commitment and effectiveness demonstrated so far by him has fallen far short of expectations.

“Furthermore, it is no secret that the governor is dissatisfied with the non-emergence of many of his preferred candidates for the National Assembly and with the reduction of his influence in the emergence of some State House of Assembly candidates.

“Recently, many party faithful were disturbed by reports and photographs showing the governor hosting a prominent opposition senatorial candidate and allowing such images to enter the public domain. Whatever the circumstances, such actions create unnecessary doubts about commitment and loyalty at a time when party unity and discipline are paramount.”

The elders also lauded the minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s, mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election, harping on his support for numerous political and grassroots support groups and his generosity to individuals and communities across the state.

The minister’s performance at the national level, the elders noted, has made Ondo State proud and continues to grow his popularity among the people.

“Today, in the political perception of many citizens of Ondo State, Dr Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, has emerged as one of the strongest promoters of our party. A growing popular sentiment suggests that he has become a major factor in sustaining the image and appeal of the APC in the state.

“This perception contrasts with the concerns many people continue to express about the performance of the state government. As elders, we find this situation worrisome. Nevertheless, 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.

“Importantly, he has been actively mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is currently supporting numerous political and grassroots support groups across the state, while many individuals and communities have benefited from his generosity and interventions. At the national level, he has continued to make Ondo State proud through his performance in office, and his popularity among the people continues to grow.

“We also respectfully invite Mr President to recognise and encourage him and all those who are genuinely working for the success of the party and the administration and place our fate in their hands. Today, BTO is the Nile of our party’s Egypt, for as they say, “No Nile, no Egypt.”

“We are aware of the perceived dichotomy between the Governor and Dr Tunji-Ojo, and we have noticed the increasing exchange of attacks between their supporters. We see no benefit in this development. At this moment, our overriding task is clear: to secure victory for the APC and deliver overwhelming votes for President Tinubu.”