In a surprising turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly shown a considerable level of sympathy for the embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during the ongoing impeachment process. This development comes after the intervention of the APC Peace Committee, raising questions about the political dynamics within the party.
It is essential to recall that the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, took a proactive step by establishing a reconciliation committee to address the growing political discord between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa. The committee convened key figures such as the Chairman of the party in the state, Ade Adetimehin, Aiyedatiwa, and members of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Insiders privy to the happenings during the Abuja peace meeting, led by Ganduje, have revealed that the committee’s members strategically leaned towards providing the deputy governor with a “soft landing.”
According to a source within the party, the majority of the committee members expressed their support for Aiyedatiwa due to unresolved grievances they held against Governor Akeredolu. These grudges, it appears, stemmed from the governor’s outspokenness on national issues, particularly during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The source further disclosed, “The committee had already made up its mind. Except for the former governor of Osun State and Lagos State deputy governor, others in the committee have one or two issues to settle with the governor.” Many viewed Akeredolu as a stubborn figure and took issue with his public stances on matters like Fulani herdsmen and the call for restructuring.
Furthermore, some committee members harbored resentment towards Akeredolu for his role in the establishment of Amotekun in the Southwest, which they perceived as a contentious issue. Akeredolu’s positions on national matters have seemingly amplified these internal tensions.
The source indicated that, while the majority of House of Representatives members and senators from the state urged Aiyedatiwa to apologize to his boss, the committee assured the deputy governor that he would not face repercussions even if he chose not to apologize.
As the situation stands, it is becoming increasingly evident that the committee’s recommendation will likely be unfavorable to the governor and members of the House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly expressed their willingness to engage in consultations with their counterparts across party lines on the proposed political solution offered by the APC. They emphasized the importance of the Deputy Governor withdrawing the multiple court cases he had initiated in connection with his impeachment, to facilitate open discussions and avoid interfering with ongoing legal proceedings.
In a related development, Governor Akeredolu’s return to Ondo State has been delayed due to accommodation challenges. The Special Adviser on Special Duty and Strategy to the governor, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, cited the governor’s health and the need for proper recuperation as the primary reasons behind the delay in his return. Odebowale explained that the governor’s previous residence, the Presidential Lodge, was a two-bedroom apartment, and a more suitable residence was being prepared to ensure Akeredolu’s full recovery. Despite his absence, the governor has continued to manage state affairs effectively.