The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State has debunked the allegations levelled against it by some groups within the party, and defended Governor Lucky Aiyyedatiwa’s inclusive leadership.
In a statement on Thursday by its Director of Meda and Publicity in the state, Mr Steve Otaloro, the party said:
“The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter, has read with deep concern and disappointment the press releases issued under the names APC Youths Vanguard and the Oodua Progressive Youth League (OPYL).
“While these groups parade identifiable titles, the individuals driving these publications remain faceless, unaccountable, and clearly motivated by mischief rather than truth.
“Let it be stated clearly and unequivocally that the allegations contained in the said statements against the Governor of Ondo State and Leader of our great party, His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, are false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to malign his person and undermine his leadership of both the state and the APC.
“First, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s foremost constitutional and moral responsibility is to provide leadership, stability, and welfare for the entire people of Ondo State, irrespective of political affiliation.
“This responsibility he has discharged with diligence and compassion, most recently demonstrated through his statewide tour across all local government areas, where palliatives were distributed to the most vulnerable citizens to ensure they celebrated the Yuletide with dignity.
“These gestures were citizen-focused and humanitarian, not partisan exercises, as falsely insinuated by these faceless actors operating under group identities.
“The attempt by the APC Youths Vanguard and OPYL to reduce a statewide welfare intervention meant for citizens to a narrative of intra-party loyalty is dishonest, reductionist, and calculated to inflame internal discord.
“Second, the APC Ondo State Chapter condemns in strong terms the denigrating and intemperate language deployed by these groups.
“Such rhetoric does not only demean the Governor; it maligns the leadership and collective integrity of the APC in Ondo State.
“Let it be on record that the party leadership will not tolerate acts capable of bringing the party into disrepute, regardless of the platform or name under which such acts are carried out. The party will take all necessary investigative and disciplinary measures to ensure that these actions do not go unchecked.
“Third, it is a matter of verifiable record that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s stewardship of the APC since assuming leadership is unprecedented in structure, welfare, and inclusiveness. Under his leadership:
- The party now holds regular quarterly stakeholders’ meetings;
- Ward and local government party structures have been strengthened through consistent engagement;
- Party executives at all levels receive regular monthly stipends, funded through contributions from elected and appointed party members — a historic first in the APC in Ondo State;
• Internal party administration has been stabilised and humanised through deliberate welfare-driven policies.
“Never before have APC executives across Ondo State experienced this level of institutional care and inclusion. This is leadership anchored on unity, responsibility, and internal cohesion, and the APC Ondo State Chapter is proud of this legacy.
“Fourth, the deliberate attempt by these groups to pitch the Governor against Hon. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, a respected leader and valued member of the APC serving at the national level, is mischievous and divisive.
“All APC elected and appointed officials both at the state and federal levels are contributing meaningfully to their constituencies this Yuletide. To single out one individual while ignoring others betrays a clear factional agenda, which the party will investigate thoroughly.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership is not driven by rivalry or personal competition. His actions are guided by responsibility to the state and loyalty to party unity. Any attempt to frame compassion as exclusion exposes the bad faith of those behind these narratives.
“Finally, the APC Ondo State Chapter reiterates that respect for constituted party leadership is non-negotiable. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains the Leader of the APC in Ondo State, just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the National Leader of the party. No individual or group named or faceless has the licence to disparage these offices under the guise of activism or youth engagement.
“We therefore call on all party members to reject divisive propaganda, uphold party discipline, and channel grievances through recognised internal mechanisms. The APC is a family, and differences must be addressed with maturity, not media sensationalism.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated commitment to governance, party unity, and the welfare of the people of Ondo State. The APC Ondo State Chapter stands firmly with him and encourages him to continue on this path of inclusive, compassionate, and purposeful leadership.”
