Tunji-Ojo’s Hidden Ambition Threatens Ondo APC Unity Ahead of Tinubu 2027 Re-election—By Chief Idowu Akinnusi

Ondo State 

In Nigerian politics, ambition is not a crime. But when ambition is cleverly disguised as loyalty, it becomes a dangerous game. This is the unfolding reality with Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose recent political maneuvers in Ondo State are raising red flags within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Tunji-Ojo’s Shenanigans: Loyalty or Self-Agenda?

On September 3, 2025, a Vanguard publication sponsored by Tunji-Ojo’s camp attempted to project the minister as a major political force capable of delivering Tinubu’s re-election. But behind this media push lies a self-serving ambition:

To extend his ministerial relevance beyond 2027.

To position himself for the Ondo State governorship race in 2029.

True loyalty to President Tinubu would mean focusing on his duties at the Interior Ministry—especially securing Nigeria’s porous borders—not engaging in political interference that risks destabilizing the party in Ondo State.

Ondo APC Is Already Strong Under Aiyedatiwa

Facts speak louder than propaganda. In November 2024, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa led the APC to an unprecedented victory, sweeping all 18 local government areas in Ondo State. This landslide proved that Ondo APC remains united, cohesive, and strong under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

By attempting to hijack the APC structure in Ondo under the pretense of campaigning for Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo is not strengthening the president’s chances—he is sowing discord and division in a state that has historically delivered for the APC.

Risks to Tinubu 2027 Campaign in Ondo

The Renewed Hope Agenda is already resonating with the people of Ondo State. But Tunji-Ojo’s disruptive activities may backfire, creating disaffection and potentially turning voters against Tinubu himself. Instead of consolidating APC’s unity, his ambition threatens to undermine Tinubu’s 2027 re-election efforts in a state considered a stronghold.

Unanswered Questions About Tunji-Ojo

Nigerians are also asking critical questions that Tunji-Ojo has yet to answer:

What is the true source of funds behind his lavish lifestyle?

How credible is his controversial MSc certificate from the University of London?

What about the pending fraud allegations still hanging on his record?

As the saying goes, “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

Ambition Should Not Divide the Party

It is not wrong to nurse a political ambition. But it is deeply troubling when such ambition is camouflaged under Tinubu’s re-election project, at the expense of party unity. Ondo APC does not need internal crisis. What it needs is focus, strategy, and cohesion to deliver maximum victory for Tinubu in 2027—just as it did for Governor Aiyedatiwa in 2024.

Call to Action

For the interest of the presidency and the APC, it is urgent to caution and rein in the Interior Minister. The Sunshine State must not be polluted by selfish politics masquerading as loyalty. Governor Aiyedatiwa, a proven grassroots leader, has the credibility and blueprint to replicate APC’s historic win when the time is right.

Ondo APC is ready. Tinubu’s 2027 re-election is achievable. But this victory must not be jeopardized by the hidden ambition of one man.