The Akoko Progressive Movement, APM, a group within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State, has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of allegedly rewarding those who worked against the party during the primary 2023 general elections with appointments.
The group alleged that two individuals who were recently sworn in as cabinet members by the governor did not support the ambitions of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 polls.
A statement signed by the group’s Director of Media, Seye Johnson, said the appointments have triggered apprehension among party members in the state and that those who worked and toiled for APC in the state and at the national level have been sidelined.
The group also stressed that rewarding someone who openly campaigned against the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the Akoko North-West/Akoko North-East House of Representatives election in 2023 was unacceptable.
“The appointments so far made by Governor Aiyedatiwa are confirming fears in most quarters that he intends to kill the APC in Ondo State.
“One of them never wished BTO (Bunmi-Tunji Ojo) well. He was everywhere, asking voters not to re-elect BTO. His election-related posts and comments against Tunji-Ojo are still available on his Facebook page.
“We are aware that prior to the swearing-in, the governor deliberately refused to announce Muhammed’s appointment in order to avoid backlash and rejection from the people of Akoko.
“The governor went ahead and swore him in because he knew his appointment could not be reversed after the swearing-in.
“If Aiyedatiwa, who is currently building a new structure in Akoko, believes Muhammed is capable of delivering Akoko for him, we wish him well.
“However, if Aiyedatiwa’s men in Akoko denigrate BTO, they will face resistance. The Minister of Interior is not only a shining light for the party and the APC but also an illustrious son in Akokoland.”
The group appealed to the national leaders of the APC to call Aiyedatiwa to order to save the party and the state from political turmoil.