–Hail Aiyedatiwa for appointing 1,000 aides
By Tony Ameh, Akure -Ondo State
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State has affirmed Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, urging him to unite and mobilise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The forum made this known on Wednesday during a press conference in Akure, Ondo State, addressed by its Chairman, Elder Demola Ijabiyi. The elders said Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, should work through their separate political structures towards the same objective, the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is the leader of our party in Ondo State and bears responsibility for uniting and mobilising it across all eighteen local government areas,” Ijabiyi said. He added that Tunji-Ojo’s influence should complement the Governor’s leadership rather than create rivalry within the party.
These positions should complement each other, not compete against each other,” Ijabiyi said.
According to the forum, the existence of separate political structures does not necessarily indicate division, provided both leaders remain committed to the success of the APC and President Tinubu’s re-election. “There is therefore nothing inherently wrong with the Governor leading one structure while the Honourable Minister leads another, provided both remain committed to President Tinubu’s re-election and the overall success of the APC,” Ijabiyi stated.
The elders, however, warned against unhealthy rivalry, personal ambition and attempts by supporters to undermine either leader. “There may be different routes, but there must be only one destination: the overwhelming re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement reads.
Starnews NG reports that the forum also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for appointing 1,000 political aides, comprising 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants from across the state.
It urged the Governor to organise a retreat for the appointees to equip them with accurate information on the policies and achievements of the Federal and Ondo State governments.
Starnews NG reports that the elders said the appointees should serve as grassroots ambassadors of the administration, promote harmony and mobilise support for the APC.
They also cautioned that the appointments must not be used for factionalism, intimidation or political vendetta.
“Their duty is to build bridges, reconcile differences and attract more people to the party,” Ijabiyi said.
“Their success will be measured not by the number of perceived opponents attacked or silenced, but by the number of people persuaded, united and mobilised for the APC.”
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