• Tasks governor on swift corrective actions, review of appointees’ conduct
• Aiyedatiwa appoints over 1,000 aides

A social-political group, Agba Imole Renewed Hope Agenda, has raised the alarm over what it described as a political and governance crisis in Ondo State, calling on President Bola Tinubu to swiftly intervene to prevent the All Progressives Congress (APC) from losing votes in the state ahead of the 2027 election.

The group, at a media briefing in Akure, the state capital, yesterday, accused the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of excessive centralisation of power and the systematic sidelining of constitutionally recognised office holders.

According to the Coordinator of the group in the South-West, Aderemi Adebiyi, the President’s intervention is imperative to protect democratic governance.

Adebiyi stressed that the group’s intervention was not motivated by personal interest but by a genuine concern for the unity and stability of the APC in Ondo State.

The group expressed concern over what it termed the “gradual sidelining” of the Deputy Governor, Dr Olaide Adelami, describing the purported development as detrimental, noting that the deputy governor is a constitutionally recognised elected official.

It therefore demanded that Aiyedatiwa take immediate corrective actions, including making governance more inclusive through wider consultation, initiating genuine reconciliation among aggrieved APC stakeholders, and undertaking a comprehensive review of the conduct of all political appointees.

Also, a support group within the APC, Patriotic Vanguard Front, In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Seyi Akinola, and Secretary, Muyiwa Olawolahas raised the alarm over what it described as an anti-party campaign being orchestrated by some members of the party in Ondo South Senatorial District.

MEANWHILE, Aiyedatiwa has approved the appointment of over 1,000 political aides as part of a move to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, include three Special Advisers (SAs), 90 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and 910 Special Assistants (SAs), as well as the nomination of one commissioner.

According to a statement made available to The Guardian, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the move was designed to enhance grassroots engagement and ensure effective governance across the state’s 18 local councils.