Ondo APC faces fresh tension over alleged support for rival candidates
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress is facing fresh tension over allegations that some party leaders and political appointees are supporting candidates contesting against those recognised by the party’s National Working Committee ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development has reportedly raised concerns within the party, with the state APC Women Leader, Princess Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, allegedly facing possible suspension over her reported support for candidates endorsed by the NWC.
Sources within the party said Iji-Ayeola’s position had become contentious among some party leaders following the outcome of the National Assembly primaries, with allegations that some dissatisfied members wanted state executive members to support alternative candidates.
The controversy reportedly intensified after some government appointees and APC members were allegedly seen at a campaign rally organised by the Social Democratic Party candidate for the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Tajudeen Adefisoye, popularly known as Small Alhaji.
An APC chieftain from Idanre, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that several aides of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa attended the rally wearing clothing branded with the SDP logo, a claim that could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, another controversy has emerged over an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus reportedly allocated to APC women leaders across the country by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, with a source alleging that the vehicle meant for the Ondo women leader was instead given to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye.
However, Aiyedatiwa has repeatedly denied allegations that he is sponsoring candidates against the APC, insisting that he has no tolerance for anti-party activities. At a recent stakeholders’ meeting with party leaders in Akure, the governor said he had not asked any APC candidate to contest under another political platform and maintained that Ondo remained firmly behind the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
He also described political alliances as part of the democratic process but urged APC members to remain committed to the party and support its candidates in the 2027 elections.
