The already fragile peace within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shattered once again, as internal divisions deepen over the early mobilisation of support for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. The latest development signals a fresh wave of political unrest that could have significant implications for the party's cohesion and electoral fortunes in the oil-rich southwestern state.

According to reports from Vanguard News, the crisis, which has been simmering for months, has now escalated to a full-blown factional feud. Party loyalists are sharply divided over the timing and strategy of the Tinubu 2027 campaign, with some accusing certain leaders of using the presidential ambition to pursue personal vendettas and sideline rivals. The infighting threatens to undermine the APC's dominance in Ondo, a state that has been a key battleground in recent elections.

Roots of the Rift: Tinubu's 2027 Ambition and Local Power Struggles

The current discord can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, when President Tinubu's victory was celebrated across the party. However, in Ondo, the euphoria was short-lived as competing factions began jockeying for positions and influence ahead of the next electoral cycle. The announcement of an early mobilisation drive for Tinubu's 2027 re-election has now become the flashpoint, exposing deep-seated rivalries within the state's APC hierarchy.

Insiders reveal that the crisis is not merely about the presidential ticket but also about who will control the party's machinery and resources in Ondo. Local power brokers, including some prominent chieftains and former officeholders, are reportedly backing different camps, each seeking to align with the national leadership to gain strategic advantage. This has led to a series of public spats, suspensions, and counter-suspensions, further polarising the party rank and file.

Key Factors Fueling the Conflict

  • Leadership tussle: A struggle for the soul of the Ondo APC between the incumbent state executives and a faction loyal to a former governor.
  • 2027 positioning: Early jockeying for the governorship ticket, with some aspirants using the Tinubu campaign as a platform to gain visibility.
  • Disputed finances: Allegations of misappropriation of party funds meant for mobilisation activities.
  • External interference: Perceived meddling from the national headquarters, which some see as favouring one faction over the other.

Fallout and Reactions: A Party at War with Itself

The deepening crisis has elicited strong reactions from party stakeholders and observers alike. Some APC elders in Ondo have called for urgent reconciliation, warning that continued infighting could hand the opposition an advantage in future elections. Others, however, have embraced the conflict as a necessary purge to weed out disloyal elements within the party.

In a recent development, a faction loyal to a prominent senator issued a statement accusing the state chairman of running a 'one-man show' and failing to carry other leaders along in the Tinubu mobilisation efforts. The chairman, in response, dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that his leadership remains focused on delivering the state for the president in 2027. The war of words has since spilled onto social media, with supporters of both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations.

The situation has also drawn the attention of the national secretariat, which has dispatched a mediation team to Ondo. However, early indications suggest that the peace mission may be an uphill task, as the factions remain entrenched in their positions. Political analysts note that the crisis could escalate further if the party fails to address the underlying grievances before the next election cycle.

Implications for 2027 and Beyond: A Test for Tinubu's Political Machine

The Ondo APC crisis is more than a local squabble; it is a litmus test for President Tinubu's ability to maintain party discipline and unity across the federation. As the national leader of the APC, Tinubu has often relied on his political acumen to broker deals and pacify warring factions. Yet, the Ondo situation poses a unique challenge, as it involves some of his closest political allies and protégés.

Observers believe that the outcome of the Ondo crisis will set a precedent for how the party manages internal conflicts in other states as 2027 approaches. If the feud is resolved amicably, it could bolster Tinubu's image as a unifying force. Conversely, a prolonged crisis could weaken the APC's grassroots structure in Ondo, making it vulnerable to opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, who are already eyeing the state's electoral votes.

What the Party Could Lose or Gain

  • Loss: Defection of aggrieved members to other parties, erosion of voter confidence, and potential loss of legislative seats.
  • Gain: If reconciliation succeeds, the party could emerge stronger with a more cohesive and motivated base for the 2027 campaigns.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ondo APC is embroiled in a deep internal crisis over President Tinubu's 2027 re-election mobilisation.
  • Factional rivalries, leadership tussles, and alleged financial impropriety are at the heart of the discord.
  • The national leadership has intervened, but the path to reconciliation remains uncertain.
  • The crisis tests Tinubu's political influence and could shape the party's electoral fortunes in 2027.

As the APC navigates this turbulent period, all eyes will be on Ondo to see whether the party can rise above its internal differences and present a united front. For now, the crisis deepens, leaving many to wonder: can the APC hold itself together in the race to 2027?