Aiyedatiwa denies anti-party activities, vows to support APC

By Boye Oyeyemi

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dismissed allegations of engaging in anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that he remains fully committed to the All Progressives Congress and its candidates.

The governor was reacting to reports linking his appearance with the African Democratic Congress Central Senatorial candidate, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, at the Government House Chapel on Sunday, describing the allegation as false and an attempt to stir unnecessary controversy.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said in a statement on Monday that the Government House Chapel, like the mosque within the Government House premises, is a public place of worship open to all residents, religious leaders and public officials, regardless of political affiliation.

“The Government House Chapel is a public place of worship. Just like the Mosque within the Government House premises, the Chapel is open to all citizens, religious leaders and public officials who wish to worship. It is not an APC-only facility,” the statement read.

Adeniyan explained that Akinyelure attended the church service to worship and also to appreciate the governor for sending a representative and goodwill message during his 70th birthday celebration held last week.

“Sen. Akinyelure was at the Government House Chapel to worship and to personally thank His Excellency for sending representation and goodwill message on the occasion of his 70th birthday. This is a normal act of courtesy, decorum and respect that transcends party lines,” he stated.

The governor’s spokesman further noted that the ADC senatorial candidate is a younger brother of Chief Pius Akinyelure, an APC chieftain, ally of President Bola Tinubu and chairman of the Ondo State Governor’s Advisory Council.

He reaffirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s loyalty to the ruling party, stressing that the governor would work with all APC structures to secure victory for its candidates in future elections. Adeniyan therefore urged party members and the public to disregard what he described as the handiwork of mischief-makers, adding that the governor remained focused on governance and consolidating the achievements of the APC in Ondo State.