Political ambition is legitimate, but it must not become bigger than the interest of Ondo State, the APC and President Tinubu’s re-election.

The Director-General of the Opomulero Group, DG Opomulero, has warned that the alleged gubernatorial ambition of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), may not see the light of day if it continues to be driven by personal political calculations rather than service, performance and genuine commitment to the collective interest of Ondo State.

DG Opomulero said BTO has every constitutional and political right to aspire to become governor, but ambition alone cannot guarantee victory.

According to him, politics is built on trust, relationships, performance, timing, acceptability and the will of the people.

“BTO may have a strong political ambition, but the question is whether the political environment will support that ambition. Government House is not a personal inheritance. It is a trust bestowed by God and determined ultimately by the people.

“You cannot force your way into Government House by creating political tension, dividing your party or treating every political stakeholder as an obstacle to your ambition.”

DG Opomulero argued that as a serving minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, BTO should be one of the strongest advocates for the President’s success and the unity of the APC in Ondo State.

He said the President needs a united political family in every state ahead of 2027, particularly as the administration continues to consolidate its programmes and prepare for the next electoral cycle.

“The question is simple: is BTO currently building a stronger political foundation for President Tinubu’s re-election, or is he building a personal gubernatorial structure?”

He stressed that there is nothing wrong with preparing for the future, but no personal ambition should undermine the larger political family.

“Every politician has the right to dream. But when ambition becomes bigger than the party, bigger than the President you serve and bigger than the interests of the people, then it becomes a problem.

“BTO should understand that political power is temporary. The relationships you build and the manner in which you treat people will remain long after political offices have changed hands.”

DG Opomulero also maintained that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s performance should be allowed to speak for him.

He said a governor who delivers visible development, maintains a strong relationship with the President and contributes positively to the progress of his state will naturally command political relevance.

“President Tinubu believes in progressive governance. He demonstrated it in Lagos and is demonstrating it at the national level. Any governor who performs and maintains a constructive relationship with the President will naturally attract the confidence and support of progressive political forces.”

He therefore advised BTO to concentrate on his federal responsibilities, support President Tinubu’s agenda and work towards strengthening APC unity in Ondo State.

“Let BTO serve President Tinubu faithfully. Let him deliver in his ministry. Let him build bridges across Ondo State. Let him work with Governor Aiyedatiwa and other stakeholders. If God has destined him to become governor, nobody can stop it.

“But if the foundation of the ambition is built on division, confrontation and personal political calculations, the people may reject it.

**“The road to Government House is not paved with noise, pressure or political intimidation. It is paved with trust, performance, humility, strategic relationships and acceptance by the people.

“In the end, no political calculation is stronger than destiny, and no personal ambition should ever become bigger than Ondo State.”**

— DG OPOMULERO