A political dispute between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and the All Progressives Congress members representing the state in the National Assembly intensified as the governor was reported to have opposed the return tickets of current federal lawmakers ahead of the 2027 elections.
Return tickets refer to party endorsements for incumbent legislators to contest re‑election. In Nigeria’s political system, sitting members of the National Assembly often seek party nomination to run again.
In Ondo State, nine members of the House of Representatives and two senators currently represent the state at the federal legislature under the APC banner.
The reported dispute involves political alignment within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party sources in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said Governor Aiyedatiwa has indicated his preference that none of the nine House members and two senators should secure return tickets for the next election cycle.
According to the sources, the governor met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa and discussed concerns about the incumbents’ perceived unpopularity and weak grassroots connection.
The report said he sought the president’s understanding in finding replacements for the state’s federal lawmakers.
The governor’s reported actions prompted reactions from within the party. A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Donald Ojogo, representing Ilaje/Ese‑Odo Federal Constituency, denied knowledge of such claims.
He stated the lawmakers were not aware of any meeting where the governor made such assertions.
Ojogo said the relationship between the governor and the federal lawmakers is good and described the reports of conflict as misinformation originating from unspecified sources.
A top party source also stated that the dispute emerged amid internal party exercises and ahead of broader party planning for the 2027 elections.
Details of formal party decisions on return tickets have not been published by the APC at this time.
The dispute highlights internal dynamics within the APC in Ondo State as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Decisions on return tickets can influence candidate selection and party cohesion in individual states. A lack of consensus among party leaders and incumbents may affect campaign planning moving forward.
For the incumbents, disagreement over return tickets could affect their political strategy if they seek nomination in the party primaries. It also emphasizes the role of party leadership and endorsements in shaping electoral prospects.
For voters, unresolved disputes within a dominant party may influence perceptions of unity and representation.
However, no formal decisions or official party releases confirming changes to candidacy lists have been made public as of the latest reports.
