The Director General of the Opomulero Group, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori, has warned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to repeat the mistakes that led to the downfall of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that injustice, disregard for democratic principles, and the undermining of elected leaders can weaken any political party.
According to the DG, the APC must tread carefully in handling the political developments in Ondo State and avoid any action capable of creating unnecessary tension or diminishing the constitutional authority of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the duly elected Governor and leader of the APC in the state.
“The lesson from the PDP is clear: when a political party abandons fairness, equity, internal democracy and respect for its own leadership, it begins to lay the foundation for its own crisis. APC must not walk that dangerous path.”
Hon. Olakunori said Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated responsible leadership, united the party, delivered good governance and secured overwhelming electoral victories for the APC. Such leadership, he said, deserves support rather than actions capable of creating division within the party.
He urged the APC National Working Committee to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and justice instead of decisions that could be interpreted as weakening the Governor’s authority or disregarding the wishes of party members in Ondo State.
“The people of Ondo State have spoken through the ballot. The Governor enjoys the confidence of the people and remains the undisputed leader of the APC in the state. Any action that creates the impression of sidelining that mandate will only embolden the opposition and threaten the unity of our great party.”
The DG further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue providing fatherly leadership by ensuring that peace, justice and fairness prevail within the APC, noting that the President has consistently demonstrated his commitment to party unity and democratic values.
Drawing attention to history, Hon. Olakunori reminded the APC that the party paid a heavy political price in Ondo State in 2019 when internal disagreements and perceived injustice weakened its electoral fortunes. He noted that the APC lost the Ondo South Senatorial seat to Senator Nicholas Tofowomo of the PDP, while the Ondo Central contest also exposed deep divisions within the party. He further recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari lost Ondo State in the presidential election, warning that history should not be ignored.
“No political party should ever take the people of Ondo State for granted. Ondo people are politically conscious and will always defend their democratic rights. The recent APC primaries were conducted peacefully under the supervision of INEC, and the will of party members must be respected. Any attempt to impose injustice or overturn the people’s mandate will only create avoidable resentment and weaken our great party.”
He warned that no individual ambition should be allowed to override the collective interest of the party.
“History has taught us that political arrogance and injustice always come with consequences. APC must remain united, respect democratic institutions and protect the mandate freely given by the people. Ondo APC must not become another example of an avoidable internal crisis. We will not allow impunity to replace democracy.”
Hon. Olakunori reaffirmed that the Opomulero Group remains firmly behind Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and will continue to defend justice, party unity and the progress of Ondo State.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori
Director General, Opomulero Group
