Ondo: Gov Advisory Council Clarifies Roles Of Support Groups Canvassing For Tinubu’s Re-election

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has doused tension over the existence of some quasi political support groups in the state championing the reelection bid of President Bola Tinubu.

The Groups, some of which are formed by serving minister and former political office holders, have been on membership recruitment, ahead of the 2027 elections.

However at a stakeholders meeting few days ago in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had issued an order directing the groups to place their activities under his control, as the leader of the party in the state.

Reactions to the order have been massive as some leaders of the groups insisted on operating independently of the governor and even the party.

At its meeting in Akure at the weekend, the newly constituted Governor’s Advisory Council approved that the support groups can exist and are free to work for President Tinubu.

Secretary of GAC, Isaac Kekemeke,  while speaking on the outcome of the inaugural meeting if the council, stated that “We also agreed that support groups, particularly presidential support groups, can continue to exist, but cannot serve as alternatives to the party or be used to divide it.

“Support groups are meant to support the party and the presidential aspiration of our national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

On the inauguration of GAC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the Secretary, said the meeting was aimed at stabilising the government and party in the state.

“Basically, it’s meant to stabilise government and the party. The governor has been availed of the experience of many people, and we have resolved a number of issues. We restated the obvious fact that the governor is the leader of the party in the state.

“We were satisfied with the governor’s performance and advised him on wider consultations with stakeholders.

“We concluded that our party is one, with no factions, and advised on collegiate leadership at the local government level for more inclusive decision-making.”

The GAC is made up of selected leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, with the objective of offering counsel and support to the Governor on issues of governance and the growth of the ruling party.

The GAC, is under the chairmanship of former Chairman of the Board of Directors of NNPC Limited and former National Vice Chairman of the APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the GAC chairman, Chief Akinyelure described the parley as fruitful, noting that it focused on strengthening ties between the government and the party.

“The Governor is very happy about the meeting. What we have basically discussed is the growth the party and the success of the government, which is headed by Mr. Governor. Ours is to bridge the gap, to make sure that thw party grows and the government is successful.

“Whatever is going on in government is exposed to the party, so that there can be a smooth relationship. I am not only satisfied, I am encouraged by the participation of our members.”