AKURE, ONDO STATE — A single photograph circulating on the internet has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Ondo State. The image features the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo (BTO), and the incumbent federal lawmaker for Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, raising wine glasses in a celebratory toast alongside a gathering of party loyalists aligned with the interior minister’s faction. Following the tumultuous Okitipupa/Irele House of Representatives primary, where Dr. Olumuyiwa Daramola (DOD) was initially declared the winner, this visual display has ignited intense debate, prompting netizens and political insiders to decipher its implications.
The Optics of a Post-Primary Toast
For a lawmaker who reportedly just lost his re-election ticket, Odimayo’s alignment with Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo defies conventional political logic. Rather than retreating to reassess after a defeat, Odimayo is depicted relaxed and smiling alongside the influential Minister following a shared meal. This unexpected camaraderie has sparked a flurry of speculation online, interpreted in several ways:
- A Strategic Alliance: Odimayo appears to be securing a significant alliance with Tunji-Ojo’s formidable faction, potentially creating a united front that could undermine the influence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s camp.
- The Implication of Inside Intelligence: The celebratory mood between Tunji-Ojo and Odimayo suggests that they may possess inside information indicating that the declared primary results are on the verge of being overturned.
The Abuja Factor: Disqualification Rumours
At the heart of this narrative is a potent rumour emerging from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the national leadership quietly disqualified Dr. Olumuyiwa Daramola before the actual voting took place, which would legally invalidate his declared victory of 6,547 votes. If these allegations prove to be true, the outcome of the primary election faces a dramatic reversal.
As the runner-up, Odimayo would be positioned to reclaim the APC ticket by default. The photograph hints that Tunji-Ojo, with his extensive connections in Abuja, may already be preparing to welcome Odimayo back into the winner’s circle.
A Battle for the Soul of Ondo APC
The meeting between Odimayo and Tunji-Ojo signals a significant shift in internal party dynamics. As one of the most strategic power brokers in the state, Tunji-Ojo’s alignment with Odimayo sets the stage for a major clash against Governor Aiyedatiwa’s anointed candidate. As Ondo residents continue to debate the motives behind the wine toast, one reality becomes clear: the Okitipupa/Irele primary is no longer a settled contest. Should the Abuja disqualification list nullify Daramola’s victory, the image of Tunji-Ojo and Odimayo may be remembered as the pivotal moment when the political tide turned in Ondo.
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