AKURE — The cold war between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and members of the National Assembly from the state over return tickets, yesterday, deepened as there are allegations that the governor was making moves to stop the lawmakers ahead of the 2027 elections.

A leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the governor was alleged to have vowed to stop the nine members of the House of Representatives and the two Senators from getting a return ticket.

The APC leader stated that the governor had reported the lawmakers to President Bola Tinubu, “citing their alleged unpopularity and lack of connection with the grassroots.”

The governor, according to the party leader, has sought the president’s understanding to find replacements for the state’s lawmakers.

The party leader said: “The governor met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa last Thursday and allegedly told the President that none of the federal lawmakers from Ondo State should be allowed to return to the National Assembly, claiming they were no longer popular.”

”You will recall that the governor was summoned to Abuja by the President following violence that erupted during the party’s ward congress in Idanre, where four persons were killed, 10 were injured and a vehicle was burnt.

“The governor used the opportunity to report the lawmakers to the President.

“There is nothing like having a clean slate as we approach 2027 because this is a new road ahead of election; those guys were foisted on the state by the late Governor, Aketi and now we have a new governor.”

However, another APC leader denied the claim, stating that Aiyedatiwa has denied endorsing or approving aspirants for the positions.

The source said that the governor pointed out that it had become necessary for him to clarify his position following widespread political insinuations ahead of the party primaries and the need to guide against rumours, assumptions, and falsehoods capable of creating divisions within the party.

Vanguard further gathered that the House of Representatives members had met with Aiyedatiwa at the Government House before the party stakeholders meeting, expressing their intention to run again in 2027.

We’ve good relationship with gov —Rep Ojogo

When contacted, the lawmaker representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Mr Donald Ojogo, said: “We are unaware of such a meeting where the governor told the president such stories. Honestly, we don’t know.

“But I can say for free; that is the opinion of whoever is spewing such and not the view and position of the governor with whom we have a good relationship.” (Vanguard)