Rumours of a political split between Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, have been firmly rejected by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of the minister. Those close to the matter maintain that Tunji-Ojo is committed to his federal responsibilities and to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing journalists in Akure, Pastor Olumide Obadele, who serves as Director General of the Progressive Network for Tinubu, described the conversations about internal crisis in the Ondo APC as groundless, emphasizing party unity and focus. According to Obadele, “Ondo APC is one family. No issue between the two of them, to the best of my knowledge. The governor is our governor, the minister is our own, and the party is our party,” he stated during the unveiling of the latest support initiative for Tinubu.
Obadele further clarified, “This is not a campaign effort, as INEC has yet to open the window for electioneering campaigns. Our conviction is rooted in President Tinubu’s demonstrated potential to steer Nigeria towards a new era in just 27 months.”
Meanwhile, supporters and close observers of Hon. Tunji-Ojo have suggested that stories linking him to a possible 2028 governorship bid are part of a calculated political distraction. Many see such claims as tactics deployed by rival actors looking to ignite unnecessary power tussles ahead of future elections.
Femi Salako, a well-known media consultant, weighed in on the ongoing debate, describing any allegations that Tunji-Ojo was plotting to unseat Aiyedatiwa as a “campaign of calumny” pushed by those “desperately angling to craft a non-existent push for a power grab.” According to Salako, there is no credible evidence to suggest ill-intent or rivalry between the minister and the governor.
Salako continued, emphasizing that Tunji-Ojo has remained loyal to President Tinubu’s development agenda since taking office at the federal level: “He has shown faith, passion, and consistency. He has shown total commitment to the President’s objective of using public office as a tool of empowerment, as a mechanism for driving the development narrative, opening up new frontiers,” Salako said.
Tunji-Ojo’s Leadership and Progress in the Ministry of Interior
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s stewardship in the Ministry of Interior has received acknowledgment across various quarters, both locally and beyond Nigeria’s borders. Having previously served at the National Assembly as a federal lawmaker, the minister is celebrated for spearheading reforms that have significant real-world implications for millions of Nigerians. Central among these are changes to Nigeria’s passport application and renewal process, robust measures to improve border security, and improvements in the operations of paramilitary agencies under his ministry’s supervision.
Remarkably, within just three weeks of assuming office, the Interior Ministry under Tunji-Ojo eliminated a staggering backlog of over 200,000 passport applications—a feat that drew praise from civil society organizations and regular citizens alike. The reforms extend further: Nigerians can now use home and office passport delivery services, benefit from the rollout of electronic gate (e-gate) systems at airports, and experience a more seamless visa acquisition through digital platforms and automated landing/exit cards. Additionally, the new Command and Control Centre promises stronger coordination among agencies responsible for internal security.
Salako, referencing these achievements, argued, “The massive changes in the passport application and renewal process, in the management of Nigeria’s borders and airports, and in the workings of agencies under the ministry point to his fidelity to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” Indeed, according to the Nigerian Immigration Service, passport issuance bottlenecks have historically plagued the nation, with tens of thousands waiting months for vital documents. Recent data suggest processing times are now significantly shorter, reducing stress for Nigerians both at home and those living abroad.
While some critics speculate about political ambitions, Salako countered that Minister Tunji-Ojo has not lobbied for his cabinet position nor declared any intention to run for the Ondo State governorship. “Should the Interior Minister nurse a governorship ambition, he would, in his characteristic forthrightness, never have made secret of his desire,” Salako added.
For Tunji-Ojo, Salako maintained, the true priority remains supporting President Tinubu and pursuing development for all Nigerians. Drawing from both literature and scripture, Salako characterized the minister as someone whose leadership is built on a foundation of integrity and loyalty: “Mine honour is my life; both grow in one: Take honour from me, and my life is done,” quoting Shakespeare’s Richard II to drive home the point that honour and duty remain at the heart of the minister’s actions.
Political Landscape: Reactions and Implications for Ondo and Beyond
Political commentators and local analysts suggest that the circulating rumours point to early maneuvering ahead of both the 2027 and 2028 election cycles, not just in Ondo but across Nigeria. According to Dr. Adeyemi Ogundele, a Lagos-based public affairs analyst, “Pre-election speculation and strategic posturing are common in many Nigerian states as politicians and interest groups test alliances ahead of official announcements. However, unsubstantiated rumours can sow discord where unity is needed for public service delivery.”
For local party members and residents in Ondo State, the unity or disunity of top political office holders can have direct consequences on infrastructure development, resource allocation, and even peace at the grassroots level. Mrs. Tolu Okunade, a civil servant in Akure, remarked, “All we want are leaders that put us first—not just political games. If our leaders are aligned, it helps projects move faster.”
Comparing with regional neighbours, West Africa has seen similar patterns wherein even the perception of internal rifts within ruling parties can impact investor confidence or spark unrest. In Ghana, for example, upcoming elections often trigger dramatic political alignments, though mature dialogue usually prevails.
Amid the current scenario, both the APC in Ondo and figures within the federal government continue to insist there is no real conflict—only a commitment to President Tinubu’s second-term prospects and ongoing policy reforms. The question, according to political observers, is whether this show of unity will translate into measurable development outcomes for people across Ondo and the broader Southwest region.
As Salako emphasized, “The Minister of Interior will not be distracted.”
Nigerians and West Africans are keeping a close eye on these developments, knowing that the ability of political leaders to manage relationships and prioritize service delivery over personal ambition can have ripple effects nationwide and regionally. Policy watchers recommend ongoing transparency and regular stakeholder engagement to keep public trust strong and prevent the spread of unfounded rumours.
As election seasons approach and new reforms unfold in sectors like immigration and security, the outlook for internal party cohesion in Ondo—and in Nigeria more generally—remains a subject of national interest. How leaders handle these questions will likely shape perceptions of progress and stability for years to come.
What do you think about the ongoing unity talks in Ondo State and the recent public service reforms? Can such political collaborations drive real change, or are they just media spin? Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow us for more insightful updates on Nigerian and West African politics!
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