By Akinrinlola Olumide
The corridors of Alagbaka Government House are suddenly teeming with familiar yet unfamiliar faces; many of whom, until recently, preferred the cool breezes of Abuja to the political climate of Akure. This sudden surge of loyalty to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is no mere coincidence; it is a calculated survival tactic.
With the May consensus primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the horizon, the political landscape in Ondo State has transitioned from a battleground of egos to a theatre of romance.
The catalyst for this transformation is a reported directive from the Presidential Villa. President Bola Tinubu and the APC national leadership have allegedly sent a clear message to party members, including serving members of the State and National Assembly: there will be no automatic tickets.
The President has reportedly reaffirmed that state governors are the true leaders of the party in their respective domains, and anyone seeking a return ticket must earn favour in their eyes. For lawmakers who once ignored Aiyedatiwa or even worked against him, this news serves as a cold shower, awakening them to the stark reality of their political ambitions.
Consequently, those who were once parading the corridors of Abuja are now parading the corridors of Alagbaka, desperately hoping to retrace their steps and secure their political futures. This sudden return of loyalty is not merely a public spectacle; behind the scenes, a high-stakes lobbying game is in full swing.
Findings suggest that some of Aiyedatiwa’s close aides and commissioners are being heavily courted by these desperate aspirants. Reports indicate that these aides are receiving cash gifts intended to buy their influence and secure a direct line to the Governor’s ear.
However, it is crucial to understand that these lobbyists are not acting out of genuine admiration for the Governor’s vision; they are solely focused on securing a return ticket. Their current allegiance is as fragile as the paper their tickets will be printed on.
Governor Aiyedatiwa now stands at a critical crossroads. While the influx of support may superficially appear to validate his leadership, it is, in fact, a double-edged sword. He must not forsake those who stood by him when the political winds were harsh in favour of disposable politicians who only emerge when the sun shines bright.
Moreover, his aides and commissioners must be vigilant. While they may accept hospitality, they must not allow themselves to become tools of compromise. Succumbing to the allure of gifts could lead to a betrayal of the government’s core mission.
Constitutionally and within the APC framework, Aiyedatiwa is the leader of the party in Ondo State, and he should wield this authority with discernment. True loyalty is tested in the fire of adversity, not merely in the season of primaries.
As it stands, the Governor’s greatest challenge will be distinguishing between those who are genuinely committed to him and those who are merely enamoured with the ticket he holds.
May wisdom guide him through this intricate political landscape, ensuring that he remains steadfast and true to his vision for Ondo State.
Akinrinlola Olumide, Publisher of Starnews NG, writes from Toronto, Canada.
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