Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on members of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid actions that could undermine party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for unified support behind President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid. The governor’s remarks came during a meeting with the APC’s state caucus in Akure, the capital of Ondo, where he urged factions to consolidate under the party’s formal leadership structures.
Addressing party leaders at the Government House Banquet Hall, Aiyedatiwa stated that while diverse support groups are expected to emerge during election cycles, their activities must align with directives from the APC’s central framework. “Our strength lies in our unity,” he said, stressing that the State Working Committee and State Caucus should remain the primary decision-making bodies. With Ondo not holding a gubernatorial election in 2027, the governor redirected focus to federal objectives, asserting that “all efforts must be geared toward Tinubu’s reelection.”
The statement reflects broader concerns within Nigeria’s political landscape, where intra-party rivalries often complicate election strategies. As the APC seeks to maintain its dominance nationally, Aiyedatiwa’s push for consolidation underscores efforts to prevent fragmented campaigns, which could weaken voter mobilization. His remarks also highlight the strategic importance of subnational unity in bolstering Tinubu’s national agenda, particularly in southwestern states like Ondo, a key APC stronghold.
The governor’s appeal arrives amid rising political activity across Nigeria, with parties gradually shifting focus toward the 2027 polls despite their three-year horizon. Analysts note that early alignment of state and federal priorities could strengthen the APC’s organizational capacity, especially in regions where opposition parties have made recent gains. While Aiyedatiwa did not reference specific divisive factions, his insistence on centralized leadership signals a proactive approach to managing potential conflicts before they escalate.
Ondo’s political dynamics remain pivotal to Nigeria’s broader electoral calculus. The state, rich in agricultural and energy resources, has historically influenced political alliances in the southwest. By channeling local efforts toward Tinubu’s campaign, the APC aims to solidify its base while curbing opportunities for opposition inroads. For now, Aiyedatiwa’s message underscores a recurring theme in Nigerian politics: the delicate balance between grassroots mobilization and top-down party discipline in a complex, multi-ethnic democracy.
