Ondo APC Crisis Deepens Over Alleged Secret 2027 Election Funds Committee

Fresh tension has hit the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following allegations that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa set up a secret committee to manage funds for the 2027 elections.

The allegation has unsettled some APC National Assembly candidates in the state. They fear the proposed arrangement could affect the distribution of funds meant for the party’s candidates.

According to party sources, the alleged committee includes the Commissioner for Finance, Omowunmi Isaac; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Ayorinde Olawoye; and the governor’s younger brother, William Aiyedatiwa.

The governor’s Chief of Protocol, Abayomi Olasanya, and Banjo Ayodele reportedly also belong to the committee.

However, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Engagement, Steve Otaloro, denied the allegation.

Otaloro described the report as a rumour allegedly designed to create division within the APC ahead of the elections.

Despite the denial, some National Assembly candidates have expressed concern over the alleged arrangement. They questioned the governor’s commitment to the success of APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

A party source, who spoke anonymously, claimed that Aiyedatiwa had constituted the committee in his capacity as Ondo State Coordinator of the Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima 2027 Campaign Organisation.

The source further alleged that the committee would control funds expected from the APC National Secretariat for the elections.

According to the source, some candidates had obtained details of the alleged committee. They now fear that the funds could support politicians contesting against APC candidates on other platforms.

The controversy comes amid separate allegations of anti-party activities against the governor.

Some party members claim Aiyedatiwa became dissatisfied with the APC after aspirants he allegedly supported lost the party’s National Assembly primaries.

They also accused him of backing a group known as the “Rainbow Coalition”. Some defeated APC aspirants now contest the 2027 elections under other political parties.

Among them is Hon. Mathew Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, who emerged as the PDP candidate for Ondo South Senatorial District.

Prince Idowu Mafimisebi, another former APC aspirant, is contesting the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency seat on the PDP platform.

Tajudeen Akinfisoye, popularly known as Small Alhaji, is also contesting Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency under the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

Aiyedatiwa has, however, repeatedly denied involvement in any anti-party activities.

The governor also denied asking defeated aspirants to contest against APC candidates on other platforms.

“I have zero tolerance for anti-party activities. I have never engaged in anti-party in my life,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Otaloro also rejected the allegation of a secret election funds committee.

He described the report as “nothing more than a rumour” allegedly being circulated by people working against the APC’s interests.

According to him, Aiyedatiwa remains committed to inclusiveness and consultation as leader of the party in Ondo State.

He said the governor had established structures designed to broaden participation in decision-making within the party.

The latest controversy has nevertheless exposed fresh cracks within the Ondo APC as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.