Ondo APC crisis escalates ahead of election as party leaders shift support to SDP

The internal crisis within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has deepened, as influential party leaders have withdrawn their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, throwing their weight behind the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Otunba Benson Akingboye.

Dele Oyewo, the group’s coordinator, made this known in a petition titled, “Protest Against Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Party’s Approach,” addressed to APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

According to the group, the decision was influenced by the “questionable” emergence of Aiyedatiwa as the APC gubernatorial candidate during the party’s primaries in April 2024.

The petition stated: “The leadership of various organizing groups within the party structure in Ondo State reiterates that it will be nearly impossible to work with the party and Governor Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming November 16 gubernatorial election.

“The party leadership in Abuja seems unconcerned about the welfare of Ondo State citizens, prioritizing their own preferences despite the potential consequences.”

The group further accused the APC leadership of abandoning its principles, saying: “The people of Ondo State, who have supported the APC, now condemn what they see as a departure from party ethics, especially in the choice of Governor Aiyedatiwa. If we claim to be different from the PDP, we must live up to the promises we made before the 2015 general election.”

In a surprising move, key APC factions in Ondo State have chosen to back Otunba Benson Akingboye of the SDP.

“Although silent mobilization has been ongoing, we decided to formally inform the party leadership due to the persistent indifference displayed by the APC leadership in Abuja on issues affecting Ondo State’s youth,” the group noted.

The statement continued, “We refuse to suffer in silence and display blind loyalty to those who jeopardize our future. Otunba Benson Akingboye shares a vision similar to that of President Tinubu and is practically part of the APC family.”

The group warned that the continued support for Governor Aiyedatiwa could escalate tensions in the state, saying, “We are closely monitoring developments from all sides. We hope the attempts to favor Governor Aiyedatiwa do not plunge Ondo State into crisis.”

They concluded by suggesting that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s position could be threatened even if he is declared the winner of the election. “We have advised our supporters not to waste their votes on a candidate who does not represent their interests,” they said.