Fresh tension has emerged within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that some party officials and political appointees linked to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa attended a campaign rally organised by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), while the state women leader faces possible disciplinary action over the disputed National Assembly tickets.
The latest developments have added to the disagreements within the party over its National Assembly primaries and the subsequent review of some candidates by the APC National Working Committee (NWC).
Princess Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, the Ondo APC women leader, is reportedly facing possible suspension for allegedly maintaining support for candidates recognised by the party’s national leadership rather than those said to be favoured by the governor.
Sources within the party claimed that pressure had mounted on Iji-Ayeola to change her position, but she continued to identify with the NWC-backed candidates. The allegations have not been accompanied by an official statement confirming that disciplinary proceedings have commenced.
The dispute has also drawn attention to an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus reportedly allocated to APC women leaders across the country by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. A party source alleged that the vehicle intended for the Ondo women leader was instead handed over to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bosede Seun Osamaje.
The source further claimed that the commissioner was closer to Aiyedatiwa and had participated in the mobilisation of women for some National Assembly candidates contesting outside the APC. These claims remain allegations.
Separately, an APC chieftain in Idanre alleged that several political aides of the governor and party officials attended Tuesday’s SDP campaign rally for the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency candidate, Honourable Tajudeen Adefisoye, popularly known as Small Alhaji.
According to the chieftain, some of those present wore SDP-branded clothing. The source also alleged that the APC youth leader in Idanre attended the rally wearing an SDP cap, adding that photographs and videos were available to support the claims.
The allegations have raised questions within the party about the conduct and political loyalties of some individuals associated with the governor’s camp, particularly as the APC continues to grapple with disagreements over its National Assembly candidates.
Aiyedatiwa, however, has repeatedly denied sponsoring opposition candidates or directing APC members to seek political offices on other party platforms.
At an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Akure in September, the governor rejected claims that he had encouraged candidates to contest outside the ruling party, insisting that he had not instructed anyone to do so. He also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates, declaring that Ondo remained “APC all the way”.
The governor also addressed the issue of political alliances during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on October 5. He said he had no objection to the Rainbow Coalition associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, if its purpose was to support Tinubu’s re-election.
Aiyedatiwa argued that political relationships were shaped by interests and alliances, maintaining that a coalition backing the President was not inherently problematic.
The latest allegations come against the backdrop of the unresolved dispute over APC National Assembly tickets in Ondo State. Whether the controversy will lead to formal disciplinary action or further intervention by the party leadership remains unclear.