The attention of the Opomulero Movement has been drawn to the publication by Otunba Femi Balogun titled “BTO: The Driving Force Behind Tinubu’s Growing Grassroots Support in Ondo State.”
While every Nigerian has the constitutional right to promote and celebrate any political leader of his choice, history must not be rewritten to diminish the sacrifices and contributions of other leaders and stakeholders who have laboured tirelessly for the growth and success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
It is an established political reality that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is the undisputed political leader of the APC in Ondo State. As the sitting Governor, he remains fully in charge of the party’s political structures and machinery across the 18 Local Government Areas.
The APC primary elections for the Senate, House of Representatives and five State House of Assembly constituencies were conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the party announced the results of those primaries. In the view of many APC members, the exercise was among the most peaceful primary elections ever conducted in Ondo State, with party members freely participating across the state.
However, the events that followed generated widespread debate and dissatisfaction within sections of the party. Some APC members have alleged that the final outcomes did not reflect the expectations arising from the primary process and have publicly criticised the roles played by certain party leaders, including Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in the post-primary developments. Those concerns remain part of the political debate within the APC and continue to be discussed by party members.
It is therefore incorrect to suggest that any one individual is solely responsible for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s popularity or political strength in Ondo State. President Tinubu’s support is the product of decades of commitment by loyal party members, founding progressive leaders, elected officials, grassroots mobilisers, women, youths and stakeholders across the state. Long time when Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was still in a class room or emerge on the political scene, respected leaders such as Chief Olusola Oke, Engr. Diran Iyantan, Chief Isaac Kekemeke and many other progressive leaders had devoted years to building and sustaining the progressive movement in Ondo State.
Those making sweeping claims about Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s political influence should also reflect on their own political records. Political relevance is measured by the confidence of the electorate and sustained grassroots support. Many of those making these claims have yet to demonstrate significant electoral strength even within their respective polling units or wards. Political influence should be earned at the ballot, not merely proclaimed through media narratives.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has continued to unite the APC, strengthen its structures and provide purposeful leadership. Under his leadership, the APC remains well positioned to mobilise overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and deliver victory across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State in the 2027 presidential election.
The political history of Ondo State equally speaks for itself. Ondo North produced the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati and the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Ondo Central produced Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, while Ondo South produced the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu and now Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has only begun his constitutional tenure and deserves the full support of every progressive to complete his eight years in office without the distraction of premature governorship campaigns.
Thereafter, in the interest of fairness, equity and political stability, the governorship should naturally return to Ondo Central Senatorial District, with Akure, the state capital, well positioned to produce the next Governor of Ondo State. Respecting this rotational understanding will promote unity, fairness and political stability across the state.
The APC is greater than any individual. No politician should seek to appropriate the collective achievements of the party or diminish the contributions of others for personal political advantage.
History will always remember those who built the party, defended its democratic ideals and strengthened its grassroots structures. The focus of every APC member today should be be on supporting Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to succeed and working together to secure a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Movement
