President Bola Tinubu has summoned Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to Abuja following the violent disruption of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Congress that left two people dead and several others injured.
The invitation followed unrest that erupted on Wednesday during the party’s ward congress in Idanre and Akure North Local Government Areas of Ondo State.
The clashes, which reportedly involved party stakeholders, escalated into fatal violence, drawing national attention and triggering security concerns.
Governor Aiyedatiwa departed Akure, the state capital, for Abuja on Thursday amid reports that the president was deeply displeased with the development. The governor had earlier inaugurated the Igoba and Alagbaka Extension roads before cutting short his scheduled engagements. He was absent at the commissioning of the 100,000-litre capacity water supply project at the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) Complex.
The water project was instead inaugurated by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, who said the facility would improve access to potable water for patients, health workers, and residents in adjoining communities.
A source familiar with the development disclosed that the summons was issued late Thursday after security briefings were presented to the President detailing the incidents surrounding the ward congress.
According to the source, the President was concerned about the breakdown of order, especially in a state perceived to have limited opposition strength against the ruling APC.
“We were already mobilising for our line-up activities when we were informed that the governor would not be available the following day. The President is reportedly unhappy about the killings and wants a full account of what transpired,” the source said.
Although it remained unclear at press time whether Governor Aiyedatiwa had met directly with President Tinubu, findings confirmed that he was in Abuja on Thursday evening ahead of a scheduled meeting on Friday.
The violence has cast a shadow over activities marking the governor’s first year in office. However, he has since returned to the state to continue anniversary events tied to his administration.
The development underscores the growing concern within the APC over internal cohesion and the conduct of party congresses, particularly in states considered politically stable. Political analysts note that intra-party conflicts, if not swiftly addressed, could undermine public confidence and complicate grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections.
