Akoko Political Group Rejects BTO's Governorship Ambition, Warns APC of Imminent Defeat
The political battle over who succeeds Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State has taken a fresh dimension as a newly established sociopolitical group in Ikare-Akoko, KOITI KANWA, led by Hon. Bisi Orisaniyi, popularly known as Ebony, has openly declared that it is not yet the turn of Akoko or Ondo North to produce the next governor of the state.
In a unanimous position, the group threw its weight behind Ondo Central Senatorial District, insisting that political equity, fairness and respect for previous agreements must take precedence over individual ambitions.
Bisi Ebony recalled that at a meeting of APC stakeholders held in Owo, there was an understanding that Ondo Central should have the opportunity to produce the next governor. He therefore questioned why anyone should attempt to overturn an arrangement that was reached in the interest of political balance.
But the group's strongest criticism was directed at the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, popularly known as BTO.
According to the group leader, BTO's political trajectory has already generated considerable disaffection within Akoko Northeast and Northwest Federal Constituency. The group alleged that the previous understanding between the two constituencies was disrupted when BTO contested the House of Representatives seat twice and subsequently brought his younger brother into the same political position.
It argued that the development has raised serious questions about political inclusion, fairness and the concentration of political influence, warning that Ondo State must not be pushed into another round of political arrangements that exclude other deserving interests.
The group was emphatic that its position was not merely a declaration for public consumption. It announced plans to take its campaign beyond Ikare-Akoko, extending its sensitisation and mobilisation across Ondo North Senatorial District.
In what could become a significant warning to the APC leadership, Ebony declared that presenting BTO as the party's governorship candidate against a credible Ondo Central candidate could spell electoral disaster for the ruling party.
The group maintained that if APC ignores the demand for equity and Ondo Central produces a candidate from another political platform, the ruling party risks losing the governorship election woefully.
Its message to the APC is simple but politically consequential: the party must not mistake political ambition for collective endorsement.
As the 2028 governorship conversation gradually gathers momentum, KOITI KANWA appears determined to make its voice heard. And with its planned expansion across the senatorial district, the group is sending a clear signal that the debate over zoning, political equity and BTO's ambition is far from over.
For KOITI KANWA, the message is loud and unmistakable: Ondo North has had its share of political opportunities. It is time to give Ondo Central a chance.