Ondo Politics Heats Up: Aiyedatiwa, Tunji-Ojo Lock Horns Ahead of 2027 Governorship Race

With the 2027 general elections still two years away, political tensions are already brewing in Ondo State, as two prominent figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior Bunmi Tunji-Ojo—emerge as early power contenders. The unfolding scenario, marked by subtle moves, veiled confrontations, and intra-party rivalry, sets the stage for what could become a fierce battle for control of the state’s political landscape.

The heart of the conflict revolves around the 2027 governorship election, with growing speculation that Minister Tunji-Ojo is quietly preparing to contest the top seat in the state. Although he has yet to declare his ambition publicly, insiders confirm that the minister enjoys significant influence across the three senatorial districts, positioning him as a formidable contender.

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Cold War Brews Within APC as 2027 Looms

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who only recently began his first full term in office following the death of his predecessor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is equally believed to be eyeing a second term in 2029, sparking a delicate rivalry with Tunji-Ojo. Political observers note that although the governor officially took office less than two months ago, his team has already begun mobilizing support across the state, with emerging pseudo-campaign structures and online promotional content suggesting long-term political intentions.

This quiet political war recently surfaced during the visit of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to the state, where a carefully staged snub by Governor Aiyedatiwa against certain key political figures further exposed the underlying tension within the APC.

According to sources at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa intentionally omitted the names of Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central) and Otito Atikase, the state’s representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, while acknowledging dignitaries from the podium. Only Abegunde (Abena), the Executive Director of Corporate Services in the NDDC, seated alongside Adegbonmire and Atikase, received a mention from the governor—an act viewed by many as a calculated political slight.

A senior government source present at the gathering disclosed, “When Aiyedatiwa was introduced to the podium, he deliberately omitted certain personalities from the protocol list. He failed to acknowledge Adegbonmire and Atikase, even though they were seated in the front row. This was no accident.”

Tensions Deepen Over Representation Dispute in Ugbo Kingdom

Adding fuel to the political fire, a socio-political group, the Ilaje Ugbo Intellectual Youths Alliance, recently raised concerns about Governor Aiyedatiwa’s alleged attempt to impose a House of Representatives candidate from his hometown, Ugbo Ward 4, on the Ugbo Kingdom ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the group, the position should rightly rotate to Ugbo Wards 2, 5, or 6, based on existing power-sharing principles. The governor’s perceived interest in manipulating the local political balance in favour of his ward has drawn criticism from within his base, suggesting a brewing crisis that could impact his support from the Ilaje axis—a vital bloc in any governorship contest.

While Governor Aiyedatiwa has not formally declared an intention to run for re-election in 2029, his political activities and posturing strongly hint at a strategic plan to consolidate power in the build-up to the next political cycle.

Tunji-Ojo’s Rising Profile Threatens Incumbent’s Stronghold

On the other side of the political divide, Minister Tunji-Ojo is increasingly seen as a dark horse in Ondo politics. Despite his federal responsibilities, the minister has reportedly maintained deep-rooted political networks across the state. His growing popularity among APC members, particularly youth and grassroots supporters, is causing unease in the governor’s camp.

Though he has not publicly declared for the governorship, political observers believe his silent mobilization is a clear sign of intent. Tunji-Ojo, who previously represented Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commands significant loyalty, especially in Ondo North Senatorial District, giving him a strong foothold in the state’s electoral calculus.

Party insiders confirm that a subtle battle of influence is playing out within the APC’s state structure, with party loyalists being courted by both men in anticipation of a potentially explosive primary election.

APC Leadership Faces Challenge in Mediating Rivalry

The early signs of disunity among Ondo APC powerbrokers pose a potential threat to the party’s cohesion. If unresolved, the rivalry between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo could deepen factionalism, reminiscent of the bitter internal struggles that plagued the party during past governorship contests.

With the political temperature rising steadily, stakeholders are calling on national APC leaders to intervene early and prevent the cold war from escalating into full-blown party disintegration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As both camps quietly build their political arsenals, the race for Ondo State’s top seat has unofficially begun—two years early.