The Asiwaju Media Team, a prominent group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has condemned alleged moves by some individuals to create a parallel structure within the party, warning that such actions threaten the unity and progress of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Prince Emorioloye Owolemi, the group described the plot as “divisive, unconstitutional, and detrimental to the collective interest of party members,” adding that the APC’s strength lies in its unity and respect for its established organs.

Owolemi accused certain elements within the party of attempting to destabilize the state chapter by operating outside recognized structures. He recalled that about two years ago, some party stakeholders allegedly collected money from opposition figures under the guise of securing federal appointments — a development which, according to him, was exposed and subsequently reported to the Presidency, leading to the termination of the appointments.

“Since that incident, those involved have distanced themselves from the genuine APC structure in Ondo State,” Owolemi stated. “Rather than supporting the party and the government, they have engaged in propaganda to create division between the President and the state leadership.”

He further alleged that the same individuals are now trying to regain political relevance by forming a parallel organ ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term campaign — an act he described as an affront to party discipline.

“It is unacceptable for federal appointees or any group to operate independently of the party that gave them a platform,” he said, stressing that the APC’s authentic grassroots support groups worked tirelessly during the 2023 general elections and remain the backbone of its success.

Owolemi maintained that those behind the new faction neither contributed to the party’s 2023 electoral victory nor have any legitimate claim to its structure or support.

He also noted that many of them were long-time political appointees who lost their positions under the current administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as part of efforts to inject new energy and promote wider participation within the party.

“The Aiyedatiwa administration has opened up the political space for genuine loyalists who have remained faithful to the APC since inception,” he said.

Owolemi accused the dissident group of operating from Abuja and Port Harcourt to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of APC members in Ondo State, rather than contributing to the strengthening of the party ahead of 2027.

“If they truly seek redemption before the President after their earlier misconduct, they should show loyalty and humility — not continue with acts of provocation,” he added.

Reaffirming that President Tinubu remains the APC’s national leader and Governor Aiyedatiwa its leader in Ondo State, Owolemi cautioned against sponsoring propaganda against federal or state officials, saying such behavior undermines the party’s stability.

He assured that Ondo APC remains firmly aligned with the vision of President Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa, emphasizing that unity remains the key to victory in 2027.

“Our unity, not factionalism, will secure victory in 2027 and protect the progress we have fought for,” Owolemi concluded.