Ondo APC Crisis Deepens as Petition Accuses Aiyedatiwa of Threatening Party Unity, Tinubu’s 2027 Chances
By The The The People’s Voice Nigeria News
Fresh cracks have emerged within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a strongly-worded petition to the party’s national leadership alleging that the actions and political conduct of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa are endangering party cohesion and could ultimately undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The petition, dated May 20, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, paints a picture of a party allegedly engulfed in internal crisis, growing mistrust and deepening divisions ahead of the next general elections. Signed by Ajanaku Oluwaduyilemi Joshua, who identified himself as General Secretary, the petition calls for urgent intervention by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to prevent what it describes as a looming political disaster in one of the APC’s traditional strongholds.
Allegations of Manipulation and Political Intolerance
At the heart of the petition are allegations that Governor Aiyedatiwa has employed tactics capable of destabilizing the party’s internal democratic processes.
The petitioners alleged that on the eve of the APC Ward Congress held on February 17, 2026, efforts were allegedly made to disrupt the exercise in a bid to secure total control of the party structure across the state. According to the petition, armed thugs reportedly stormed the party secretariat as part of the alleged plan.
The document argued that if the governor was not responsible for the alleged disruptions, then the incidents exposed serious deficiencies within the state’s security system, questioning the government’s repeated assurances that security challenges in Ondo State remain under control.
Political observers note that ward congresses remain a critical component of party administration because they determine the grassroots leadership structure that often influences candidate selection and party direction.
Violence Rekindles Memories of “Wetie” Era
The petition further alleged that violence escalated during the congress period, particularly in Idanre, where two APC members were reportedly killed during clashes linked to the exercise.
The petition compared the incidents to the infamous “Wetie” era of the early 1980s, a dark chapter in the political history of the old Western Region marked by widespread violence, political assassinations, arson and electoral unrest.
According to the petitioners, the developments in Akure and Idanre should serve as a warning sign against the growing culture of political intolerance and desperation within the ruling party in Ondo State.
The group warned that failure to address the alleged violence could encourage further breakdown of internal party discipline and create long-term instability within the state’s political environment.
Primaries Allegedly Conducted Under Fear
The petition also raised concerns about the conduct of the ongoing state and National Assembly primaries, alleging that the exercises were carried out in an atmosphere of intimidation and executive interference.
According to the petitioners, many party members who participated in the primaries have expressed bitterness over what they described as a predetermined process designed to favour candidates allegedly endorsed by the governor.
The petition claimed that government officials assigned to supervise aspects of the primaries were allegedly directed to ensure the victory of preferred candidates regardless of the actual voting outcome.
The petitioners argued that rather than allowing a level playing field that would enable the emergence of popular candidates with broad grassroots acceptance, the process allegedly became an exercise in candidate imposition.
According to the document, the consequence has been widespread dissatisfaction among party members and a growing perception that the APC’s internal democratic principles are being undermined.
Alleged Threats Against Party Leaders
One of the most serious allegations contained in the petition concerns claims that local government party chairmen and councillors were threatened with removal if candidates backed by the governor failed to win in their respective areas.
The petition described the alleged threats as a dangerous abuse of political authority capable of weakening trust among party stakeholders.
It further claimed that in several local government areas, officially announced results allegedly contradicted voting patterns observed by party members on the ground, thereby creating suspicion and resentment among party faithful.
The petitioners argued that such developments have created a crisis of confidence that could have lasting implications for the party’s future electoral performance.
Fear of Electoral Consequences in 2027
Perhaps the most politically significant aspect of the petition is its warning regarding the possible impact of the crisis on President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
The petition argued that the imposition of unpopular candidates could trigger voter apathy, discourage party mobilization and lead to silent protest votes during the 2027 elections.
According to the petitioners, thousands of party members who feel marginalized by the current political situation may withdraw from campaign activities or refuse to actively support APC candidates during the elections.
The group warned that because the presidential and National Assembly elections will be conducted simultaneously, any erosion of grassroots support in Ondo State could affect not only legislative contests but also the party’s presidential vote tally.
The petition maintained that Ondo State has historically remained a strategic state for progressive politics and should not be allowed to slide into internal disarray at such a critical period.
Concerns Over Governance and Party Relations
Beyond electoral matters, the petition also questioned the governor’s relationship with party elders and stakeholders.
The document alleged that many influential party leaders feel increasingly sidelined and excluded from decision-making processes under the current administration.
According to the petitioners, the situation has created a widening gap between the governor and several founding members and loyalists who played key roles in building the APC structure in the state.
The petition further claimed that after more than two years in office, many party members remain dissatisfied with the level of impactful projects and legacy programmes that could strengthen public confidence in the administration and boost the party’s popularity.
Call for Immediate National Intervention
Against this backdrop, the petitioners called on the APC National Executive Committee to urgently investigate the conduct of the state’s ward congresses and primaries.
They urged the party leadership to take corrective measures aimed at restoring confidence, promoting reconciliation and preventing further deterioration of relations among party members.
The petition warned that allowing what it described as the “selfish calculations” of a few individuals to dominate the party could ultimately damage the APC’s electoral fortunes and weaken President Tinubu’s support base in Ondo State.
The group further stressed that the APC must remain committed to the principles of internal democracy, fairness, transparency and respect for party stakeholders if it hopes to maintain its dominance in the state.
Growing Pressure on Party Leadership
With political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gradually gathering momentum, the petition is expected to intensify pressure on the APC national leadership to address the grievances raised by aggrieved members in Ondo State.
Political analysts believe that how the party handles the allegations could determine whether the APC emerges from the current controversy united or enters the next election cycle facing internal divisions capable of weakening its electoral prospects.
As of press time, neither Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa nor the Ondo State APC leadership had officially responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
Supporting Document: People’s Voice Nigeria has obtained a copy of the petition referenced in this report. The document is attached below in the interest of transparency and public information.
The allegations contained in the petition are claims made by the petitioners and have not been independently verified.
