The National Rebirth Agenda has dismissed criticism of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) as a politically motivated group seeking to distract the administration from its development agenda.

In a statement on Sunday signed by its National President, Dr Bala Al-Majeed, the group urged Aiyedatiwa to remain focused on governance and said the administration’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply and economic development should be judged on projects delivered across the state.

The group accused those behind the ORF of attempting to create political tension in Ondo State and said criticisms of the governor should take into account ongoing interventions across key sectors.

According to the National Rebirth Agenda, the administration has delivered or is developing about 190 kilometres of roads, alongside rural road projects and urban infrastructure. It cited the Akure-Idanre road and other strategic corridors as examples of projects aimed at improving connectivity across the state.

“The people of Ondo State can see the difference between political noise and actual governance. Governor Aiyedatiwa inherited challenges, but he has chosen to confront them through projects that directly affect the lives of ordinary people,” the group said.

It also pointed to the recruitment of 2,100 teachers, payment of West African Examinations Council fees for more than 23,000 students, scholarships for tertiary students and the renovation of 134 primary and 60 secondary schools as evidence of the administration’s interventions in education.

On healthcare, the group said more than 100 primary healthcare centres had been upgraded, while new hospital facilities had been approved for locations including Ikare-Akoko, Ore, Okitipupa and Igbokoda.

It argued that the scale of the interventions made it inaccurate to portray the administration as inactive.

“An administration that is simultaneously expanding healthcare infrastructure, investing in schools, improving roads and addressing water supply cannot honestly be presented as doing nothing,” it said.

The National Rebirth Agenda also cited the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam Water Supply Project and other water schemes, saying the interventions were expected to improve access to potable water in several local government areas.

The group further highlighted efforts to attract private investment to the state, including agreements relating to a deep-sea port and a proposed $4 billion petrochemical and fertiliser plant.

It described the developments as part of efforts to strengthen Ondo’s productive economy and attract investment.

The group also challenged what it described as an “anti-Aiyedatiwa campaign”, urging those behind the campaign to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid instead of engaging in what it called unnecessary political warfare in the state.

“Those financing these needless campaigns should ask themselves what Ondo State gains from permanent political warfare,” the group said.

It urged Aiyedatiwa to remain focused on his OUR EASE agenda, strengthen his relationship with the Federal Government and continue pursuing projects and investments for Ondo State.

The group said the governor’s relationship with Tinubu should be viewed as an opportunity to attract more federal interventions rather than a source of political confrontation.

“The Governor should not be distracted. His responsibility is to govern, deliver projects and improve the lives of Ondo people,” it said.