Aiyedatiwa's Governorship Bid Faces APC Challenges

Lucki Aiyedatiwa, the current governor of Ondo State, is unable to seek a third term due to constitutional restrictions, with the window closing in February 2028. As the political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 national assembly elections, Aiyedatiwa's loyalists attempted to handpick candidates for the APC, but faced opposition from the party's National Working Committee (NWC).

Aiyedatiwa reportedly broke down in tears in Abuja when the final list sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not include any of his nominees for the Senate or House of Representatives. The list contained 11 candidates, primarily aligned with Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, a member of the APC and Nigeria's Minister of Interior.

Aiyedatiwa's efforts to consolidate power were undermined by a lack of financial resources and a weakened political machinery, leading to speculation about the fragility of his tenure.