AIYEDATIWA REMAINS APC'S AUTHENTIC LEADER IN ONDO, OPOMULERO GROUP REJECTS AJISAFE'S CLAIMS

AIYEDATIWA REMAINS APC'S AUTHENTIC LEADER IN ONDO, OPOMULERO GROUP REJECTS AJISAFE'S CLAIMS

The Opomulero Group has dismissed an article written by legal practitioner, Oloroogun Sola Ajisafe, titled "Clean Hands, Dirty Process: Aiyedatiwa and the APC Crisis in Ondo," describing it as a politically motivated publication presented under the guise of legal analysis.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael, the group said while every citizen has the constitutional right to express opinions, public commentary, particularly from legal professionals, should be guided by verifiable facts and balanced analysis.

According to the statement, the article relied heavily on allegations without presenting sufficient evidence to support its claims, arguing that it appeared designed to undermine the leadership of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, rather than provide an objective assessment of the situation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The group maintained that Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office through the constitutional process of succession as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subsequently secured the mandate of APC members and the people of Ondo State through a democratic election. It stated that his leadership is therefore founded on constitutional, legal, and electoral legitimacy.

The statement further noted that internal disagreements are common features of political parties, particularly during candidate selection processes, and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of leadership failure. It added that Governor Aiyedatiwa has continued to focus on governance while addressing party matters through established democratic processes.

Responding to allegations that the Governor imposed candidates or weakened party structures, the Opomulero Group argued that decisions within the APC are taken through the party's constitutional organs and collective decision-making mechanisms. It described attempts to attribute every party decision to one individual as inaccurate and politically convenient.

The group also cautioned against narratives that place responsibility for every disagreement within the party solely on the Governor, stressing that genuine reconciliation requires all stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions.

Highlighting the administration's performance, the statement said Governor Aiyedatiwa has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, workers' welfare, rural development, security, youth empowerment, and economic growth within his first year in office. It maintained that these achievements remain of greater importance to the people of Ondo State than prolonged political disputes.

The Opomulero Group also expressed concern over what it described as a sustained campaign by certain Abuja-based political actors and their supporters to create divisions within the Ondo State chapter of the APC through media publications and political narratives.

The statement further expressed regret over repeated public exchanges involving supporters of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, saying such developments do not advance the collective interests of the party. It urged all stakeholders to unite in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid actions capable of weakening the APC ahead of future elections.

The group called on APC leaders and stakeholders across Ondo State to embrace unity, maturity, and collaboration as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections. It stressed that the party's overall interest should take precedence over individual political aspirations.

Reaffirming its position, the Opomulero Group described Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the recognised leader of the APC in Ondo State and expressed confidence in his ability to continue working with stakeholders to strengthen the party across the state's 18 local government areas.

The statement also urged political commentators to ensure that their contributions promote constructive dialogue, fairness, and fact-based engagement rather than narratives capable of escalating political tensions.

It concluded by reaffirming the group's unwavering support for Governor Aiyedatiwa, expressing confidence that the APC would remain united and work towards electoral success in the 2027 general elections while the Governor continues to focus on delivering democratic dividends to the people of Ondo State.

Signed:

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael

Director General, Opomulero Group