Presidency Fury Erupts as Ondo APC Protests Over NASS List Sparks Probe

The Presidency has expressed significant anger over alleged sponsored protests that took place in Ondo State, following the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly candidates. Sources indicate particular displeasure that the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, and the APC State Women Leader, Iji-Ayeola, were reportedly seen in viral videos leading these protests against President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Security agencies have reportedly been directed to investigate the organizers and sponsors of these demonstrations. The Presidency is said to feel betrayed by the actions of the group loyal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, finding it particularly disturbing that such protests occurred in Ondo, an APC-controlled state, under a governor widely perceived to have enjoyed the President’s staunch support.

While the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, denied Osamaye’s direct involvement in the protest on a Channels Television program, insisting she merely received the protesting women and assured them their concerns would be communicated, other sources maintained that Osamaye was clearly seen in viral videos leading protesters and addressing journalists. It was also noted with emphasis that Ondo was the only state where such protests took place, adding to the Presidency's concern.

Amidst these protests, Governor Aiyedatiwa was reportedly in Abuja, attempting to appeal to party elders like Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Pius Akinyelure to facilitate a meeting with the President, but these elders allegedly declined. This happened concurrently with his supporters demonstrating in Akure.

Adding to the tension, a pro-Tinubu support group within the APC, the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), has raised alarm over Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style, alleging that it has alienated crucial party stakeholders. The group’s Director-General, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, claimed the governor is sidelining founding members, elders, and leaders who have decades of political capital invested in stabilizing the state and securing electoral victories for the APC. Consequently, the AMG has expressed doubts about Aiyedatiwa’s capacity to deliver the state for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Sources close to the Presidency highlighted President Tinubu's instrumental role in Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as governor. This included significant interventions during the 2024 governorship race, such as appealing to Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to withdraw his court case challenging the primary that produced Aiyedatiwa. These actions underscore the perceived betrayal by Aiyedatiwa's loyalists. The current crisis is also attributed to the governor's alleged insistence on taking all National Assembly tickets, reportedly rejecting advice from party leaders like Chief Akinyelure to concede some constituencies in the interest of party unity ahead of President Tinubu’s re-election efforts.

Despite the internal strife, it is believed that the party’s actions have ultimately strengthened unity within the APC in Ondo State. This was evidenced during the primary, where the secretary and some members of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee reportedly left the state in protest after refusing to compromise, subsequently submitting their report which formed part of the over 700 petitions reviewed by the National Working Committee before its final decision.