Aiyedatiwa remains committed to APC, says Ondo government

The Ondo state government has dismissed allegations that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is involved in anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The government described the claims as false, misleading and politically motivated.

The government was reacting to the circulation of photographs showing Governor Aiyedatiwa with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, at the Government House Chapel in Akure on Sunday.

Addressing journalists Tuesday, the chief press secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said efforts to portray the meeting as evidence of disloyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were a calculated attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and create disunity within the ruling party.

Adeniyan added that the Government House Chapel, like the mosque within the Government House premises, is a public place of worship open to all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.

He said Senator Akinyelure attended the church service for worship and also seized the opportunity to express appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for sending a representative and goodwill message to his 70th birthday celebration

The statement said the visit was merely a demonstration of courtesy and mutual respect and should not be given political interpretations.

The statement further pointed out that SenatorAkinyelure is the younger brother of Chief Pius Akinyelure, a respected APC chieftain, close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council in Ondo state.

Reaffirming the governor’s loyalty to the APC, the government added that Aiyedatiwa remains firmly committed to the party and its candidates.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to the APC and all its candidates. The governor will work with all party structures to ensure that APC wins all elections in Ondo state,” the statement said.