AKURE — The Ondo State Government has dismissed reports claiming that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa set up a secret “Election Funds Management Committee” excluding key APC stakeholders, describing the story as “completely false, baseless and without any foundation whatsoever.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Steve Otaloro, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Engagement, said the rumour was deliberately planted by individuals seeking to sow division within the APC ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
—“A Mischievous Fabrication”—
Otaloro said the Governor, as leader of the APC in Ondo State, operates an open-door leadership style rooted in consultation and inclusiveness, not in secret cabals.
“The rumour is a mischievous fabrication being circulated by individuals who are clearly intent on creating unnecessary division within the APC and undermining the unity and cohesion required for the party to secure victory,” Otaloro stated.
—Broad Consultation, Not Secret Committees—
According to him, Governor Aiyedatiwa has deliberately institutionalised wider consultation through existing party structures rather than concentrating power in a few hands.
These include:
-The Governor’s Advisory Council
-The Elders Council
-The Party Executive Committee
“These structures are designed to ensure that critical decisions are subjected to wider consultation and that relevant stakeholders have a voice in the affairs of the party,” Otaloro explained.
He added that all election and campaign committees will also be “broadly constituted to reflect the diversity of the APC” — accommodating party leaders, National Assembly candidates, elected representatives, executives and members across the state.
—Commitment to APC and Tinubu—
Otaloro also used the opportunity to reaffirm the Governor’s loyalty to the party and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the Governor had already debunked another rumour that he was supporting candidates outside the APC.
“His position remains clear: he is committed to the APC and to building a strong, united and formidable party capable of winning the forthcoming elections,” he said.
“As the leader of the party and the head of the campaign team in Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa has the legitimate responsibility to organise and coordinate the party’s campaign machinery. But this will be exercised inclusively.”
The SSA emphasized that the Governor’s target of delivering “one million votes for Mr. President from Ondo State” remains unwavering.
—Call for Unity—
Otaloro concluded by urging party members to shun distractions and focus on mobilization.
“What the party needs at this critical moment is unity, discipline and collective mobilisation — not rumours and attempts to create distrust among party members,” he said.
“The APC in Ondo State remains focused on working together as one united political family to deliver victory in the forthcoming general elections.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa is currently leading the APC’s campaign coordination in Ondo State as the party prepares for the next round of national polls.
