The cold war between Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and All Progressives Congress (APC) members representing the state in the National Assembly has reportedly intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A reliable party insider in Akure has alleged that the governor has made it clear that none of the nine House of Representatives members and two senators from the state would receive return tickets.
According to this source, Aiyedatiwa supposedly reported the lawmakers to Bola Tinubu, claiming their alleged unpopularity and weak grassroots connections, and sought the president’s assistance in finding replacements.
“The governor met with the president at the Presidential Villa last Thursday and allegedly said the federal lawmakers from Ondo State were no longer popular,” the source claimed.
This meeting reportedly came after violent incidents during the APC ward congress in Idanre, where four individuals were killed, ten injured, and properties destroyed.
The source further contended that the governor seized the opportunity to advocate for a “clean slate” leading up to 2027, arguing that the current lawmakers had lost touch with their constituents.
However, another party leader refuted these claims, emphasizing that the governor has not endorsed or approved any aspirant for the party’s ticket.
The governor was reportedly clear during a stakeholders’ meeting that he would not prevent any lawmaker from seeking re-election, cautioning against rumors that could sow division within the party.
The Legal Observer has learned that members of the House of Representatives previously met with the governor at the Government House to express their intention to run again in 2027.
When contacted for a response, Hon. Donald Ojogo, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, denied any knowledge of such claims.
“We are unaware of any meeting where the governor told the president such stories. That is the opinion of whoever is spreading it and not the position of the governor, with whom we have a good relationship,” Ojogo stated.
He characterized the reports as misinformation intended to create a rift between the governor and federal lawmakers.
