Signs of division within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become evident, as various groups within the party announced their support for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Benson Akingboye, in opposition to the APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the upcoming November 16 election.
The factions, including Ondo Patriots, Ondo APC Solidarity Group, Jagaban Coalition, and APC Youth League, criticized the process by which Aiyedatiwa was selected as the APC candidate, deeming it flawed and prompting their alliance with Akingboye.
In a statement released on behalf of these groups by Dele Oyewo of Ondo Patriots, it was asserted that “Aiyedatiwa is an opportunist, consistently showing ingratitude toward those who helped him rise to his current position.”
The groups contended that Aiyedatiwa’s actions during the candidate selection process in May were detrimental and reflected the growing poverty and inequality in Ondo State.
They warned, “If these unjust actions against the fundamental principles of fairness continue, the current governor’s decisions will inevitably lead to significant hardship for the citizens. Unless the people of the state rectify this through their votes on November 16, they may face years of darkness and struggle.”
The statement further emphasized that, in light of the upcoming election, the SDP and its candidate represent a superior alternative capable of dismantling the “web of deceit” woven by both the APC and the PDP.
The factions collectively expressed, “Guided by the principles of Karma, we, the members of various APC groups in Ondo State, led by Comrade Dele Oyewo of Ondo Patriots, alongside groups like Ondo APC Solidarity Group, Jagaban Coalition, and APC Youth League, view the unexpected endorsement of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as a deviation not only from electoral laws mandating free and fair primaries but also an affront to the dignity of our nation. We categorically reject his candidacy.”
They concluded by asserting, “We confidently declare that the SDP currently stands as the most popular party in Ondo State, and the SDP and its candidate are the best choice to dismantle the falsehoods propagated by the APC and PDP.”
