The Ondo State branch of the All Progressives Congress has rejected the allegations of party marginalisation levelled against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by five state House of Representatives members.
On Friday, Ondo federal lawmakers loyal to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu denounced Aiyedatiwa to President Bola Tinubu in an open letter, accusing the governor of reportedly romancing with some of the late former governor’s political rivals.
The congressman further accused the governor of creating a huge division, generating profound discord among party members, and marginalising the party’s leadership in the state, while the state chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, was sidelined.
The letter was said to have been signed by five lawmakers representing Akure North/South, Owo/Ose, Ile-Oluji, Okeigbo/Odigbo, Okitipupa/Irele, and Akoko South West/South East Federal Constituencies, respectively.
In a reaction on Saturday, the party’s state chairman, Ade Adetimehin, branded the federal lawmakers’ allegations against the governor as false and damaging to the party.
Adetimehin, in a statement issued by the state publicity secretary, Mr. Alex Kalejaiye, stated that the party has no disagreements with Aiyedatiwa.
According to him, members of the party’s State Working Committee had a strong relationship with Aiyedatiwa, as they recently paid an unplanned visit to the governor, who set aside other commitments and treated them with respect.
Adetimehin said, “At the meeting, Aiyedatiwa, who is also the leader of the chapter, had extensive discussions on how to further build the party and promote unity within the fold to secure victory for the APC in Ondo State come November.
“The governor never talked about personal ambition but rather expressed a desire to ensure a befitting burial for the departed leader, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. So it is gratifying to note that all the concerns raised by the party were duly considered by the governor, who assured us that he would address them.
“For the records, there is neither rancour nor bad blood between the governor and the party structures in the state. The development of the chapter is the crux of all decisions and activities in the state.”
The chairman, however, thanked two APC federal members, Abiola Makinde and Donald Ojogo, for refuting their colleagues’ charges.
“We expect party leaders, including federal lawmakers, to key into the focus and support laudable ideas that befit nobility. For now, Ondo State does not deserve discordant tunes that betray malice and self-servicing,” he added.
