Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has stated that the sweeping reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are the primary force behind a growing wave of opposition governors defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reforms Driving Political Realignment
Speaking on Monday, 15 December 2025, during a statewide tour of local government areas, Aiyedatiwa credited Tinubu's policies for the APC's expanding influence and the visible infrastructural development nationwide. He specifically highlighted that these reforms have unlocked new opportunities for economic growth within Ondo State.
The governor made a significant revelation, hinting that his main opponent from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 gubernatorial election, Agboola Ajayi, has finalized plans to join the APC. This potential defection was presented as a direct consequence of the positive impact of the federal government's agenda.
Unity and Reconciliation Within APC Ranks
Aiyedatiwa used the tour, aimed at thanking grassroots supporters and galvanizing support for President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, to address internal party dynamics. He assured members that all existing disagreements and infighting within the APC would be resolved amicably.
"There will be no fight in the party. We will resolve all issues through dialogue, and everyone will be satisfied," the governor declared. He called for unity, urging various party groups and members to embrace tolerance and cooperation to achieve the party's objectives ahead of the next general elections.
He commended Ondo citizens for their steadfast support, noting that the APC now controls all local government areas and holds full dominance in the State House of Assembly. "I am here to greet you and thank you. Some people say politicians do not return after elections. I have no election now. I only came to appreciate you all for your support for my administration," Aiyedatiwa told supporters.
PDP Fires Back, Labels Tour a "Charade"
Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the PDP has sharply criticized Governor Aiyedatiwa's thank-you tour. The opposition party described the governor's visit to the state's 18 local council areas as a mere charade, arguing that it signals a profound failure of governance.
The PDP asserted that under the APC's watch, governance in Ondo has been reduced to public optics and the distribution of handouts, rather than substantive development and service delivery to the people.
During his stops, including at Oke-Agbe, the headquarters of Akoko North-West and Akoko North-East Local Council Areas, Governor Aiyedatiwa promised party leaders that his engagements would not be occasional. He pledged to visit regularly, inspect projects, and ensure the fulfillment of promises made during campaigns.
He also emphasized that the tour served to convey the party's decision at both national and state levels: that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the APC's undisputed candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
