The call by elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State for unity between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has drawn attention to an often overlooked factor in the party’s internal relations: the conduct of supporters.
Although political differences between prominent leaders are not unusual, the reactions and activities of their followers can sometimes deepen disagreements and create the impression of a wider conflict.
In Ondo APC, supporters of Governor Aiyedatiwa and Minister Tunji-Ojo have continued to express strong loyalty to their respective principals. While such loyalty is natural in politics, it can become counterproductive when supporters engage in public attacks, personal criticism or unnecessary comparisons.
This appears to be the concern behind the intervention by party elders, who have urged stakeholders to promote dialogue and cooperation. Their position suggests that the party’s challenges may not necessarily stem from a direct disagreement between the two leaders, but from the actions and interpretations of those acting in their names.
Supporters often play an important role in strengthening political relationships. They can build bridges, defend the interests of their leaders responsibly and create room for constructive engagement. However, when they turn every political development into a contest between rival camps, they may widen divisions that the principal actors could otherwise resolve peacefully.
The situation also highlights the responsibility of political leaders to guide their supporters. Clear communication, restraint and regular engagement can help prevent statements or actions by followers from being mistaken for the official positions of the governor or the minister.
For the Ondo APC, the elders’ call provides an opportunity to refocus attention on the party’s shared interests. Governor Aiyedatiwa and Minister Tunji-Ojo remain important figures whose cooperation could strengthen the party, particularly as political activities ahead of 2027 increase.
The immediate task, therefore, may not be to determine which leader has more influence, but to ensure that their supporters do not turn political loyalty into permanent division.
If the party’s followers respond to the elders’ appeal with greater restraint and mutual respect, differences within the APC can be managed through dialogue. However, if personal attacks and factional rivalry continue unchecked, they could create unnecessary tension and make reconciliation more difficult.
The message from the elders is therefore significant: unity within the Ondo APC will require not only cooperation between its leaders, but also discipline and responsibility among the followers who speak and act in their names.
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