Ondo APC Group Warns Against Parallel Structures, Urges Unity Ahead of 2027

A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, known as the Asiwaju Media Team, has cautioned against attempts to form parallel structures within the party, describing such actions as divisive and contrary to the unity and discipline that define the APC.

In a statement issued by its Director General, Prince Emorioloye Owolemi, the group expressed concern over what it called “renewed attempts by certain individuals to destabilize the party by operating outside recognized structures.”

Owolemi alleged that about two years ago, some party stakeholders in Ondo State were involved in a scheme where they allegedly collected money from opposition members under the pretext of securing federal appointments. According to him, the matter was reported to the Presidency, which led to the revocation of the “illegally obtained” appointments.

“Since that exposure, those responsible have distanced themselves from the genuine APC structures in Ondo State. Rather than working with the party to promote good governance, they have resorted to false propaganda aimed at creating a rift between the President and the state leadership,” he said.

He further claimed that as preparations begin for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated second-term campaign, the same individuals are now attempting to “regain favour with the President by floating a parallel organ,” describing the move as unconstitutional and harmful to party unity.

Owolemi stressed that it was inappropriate for federal appointees to operate as independent support groups, warning that such behaviour weakens the same political platform that gave them relevance.

He noted that the APC’s strength in Ondo State lies in its grassroots structures and authentic support groups that worked tirelessly for the party’s success during the 2023 general elections. According to him, the so-called “parallel organ” neither participated in those campaigns nor holds any legitimate claim to party support ahead of 2027.

Owolemi also alleged that many of those behind the new movement were long-time political appointees who had occupied positions since 1999 but were removed by the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to give room for new faces and broader participation within the APC.

“The Aiyedatiwa administration has deliberately opened the space for inclusion, giving opportunities to genuine APC loyalists who have served the party faithfully since its formation,” he said.

He accused the dissident group of operating from Abuja and Port Harcourt with the aim of destabilizing the party in Ondo State, rather than supporting efforts to strengthen it ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If they truly seek redemption before the President after their earlier misconduct, they should have chosen the path of loyalty, contrition, and service — not further provocation,” Owolemi added.

Reaffirming President Tinubu as the national leader of the APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the party in Ondo State, Owolemi warned that those funding opposition narratives or spreading damaging information about government officials were “neither helping the President nor the party.”

He assured that Ondo State remains steadfast in its support for President Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa, adding that unity within the party will be essential for victory in 2027.

“Our unity, not factionalism, will secure victory in 2027 and protect the progress we have fought for,” he declared.

Opinion Nigeria News