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ONDO APC CAUCUS AND 2027: THE DELIBERATE TWIST AND THE WRONG NARRATIVE OF GOOD INTENTIONS
By Allen Sowore, Esq
On Friday, August 1, 2025, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in the exercise of his powers as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and in accordance with Article 12:9 of the APC Constitution—which provides for the establishment of a State Caucus—convened the APC caucus meeting for the first time in several years.
The meeting was well attended by statutory members, with apologies tendered by those unavoidably absent. By all accounts, it was a successful gathering of party leaders engaging in far-reaching deliberations on politics and governance.
It is, therefore, both surprising and disappointing that some have chosen to distort the Governor’s message—as conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary—and to promote a false narrative about his well-intentioned remarks.
For the record, at no point in his address did Governor Aiyedatiwa call for the collapse or proscription of any support group working for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state. His message was clear, inclusive, and unifying. In the spirit of the biblical declaration—”Let us make man in our image”—the Governor acknowledged the legitimacy of various political support groups, especially in the context of the forthcoming elections. He encouraged all such groups to work in harmony, recognizing that they are ultimately pursuing the same goal.
Governor Aiyedatiwa specifically highlighted the impactful role played by support groups such as SWAGA, led by the Asiwaju of Akure Kingdom, Chief Sunday Ifedayo Abegunde, now Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He recalled how the SWAGA delegation visited the then-Governor ahead of the 2023 Presidential Election and how he, as Deputy Governor at the time, received them on behalf of the state.
Can there be opposition groups within the APC in Ondo State? Clearly, no reasonable governor would tolerate such internal sabotage. It is reckless, mischievous, and uncharitable to misrepresent the Governor’s sincere call for unity and political stability.
Since assuming office less than two years ago, Governor Aiyedatiwa has convened four APC stakeholders’ meetings, all aimed at deepening party cohesion and encouraging inclusive governance. A fifth meeting is already in the pipeline. It is also important to recall that the Governor had, on multiple occasions, announced his intention to convene a State Caucus meeting. The August 1st gathering, therefore, was neither reactionary nor politically expedient—it was a long-anticipated and carefully planned engagement.
The resounding success of the maiden APC Caucus meeting has largely calmed the agitation of a few dissenting voices. More importantly, it demonstrates the Governor’s growing popularity and expanding political capital.
As we look toward the 2027 general elections, it is both imperative and strategic for all party leaders, stakeholders, and loyalists—especially those still nursing grievances from past political contests—to embrace the Governor’s call for unity. A cohesive and forward-looking party front is essential.
In the words of John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated his readiness to lead from the front and deliver overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. That is the mark of true leadership.
Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq.
Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Strategic Communication
August 3, 2025
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