The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have entered a fresh round of political confrontation over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s performance in his first 100 days in office — specifically the absence of a full cabinet.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office on 23 February 2024 following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu. Since then, his administration has marked its 100-day milestone by commissioning projects and promising continuity. But while the state’s ruling party praises what it calls “measured and responsible governance”, the PDP says the governor has flouted constitutional provisions.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbagbo, the PDP alleged that Aiyedatiwa’s failure to form a cabinet within the constitutionally required period renders his administration “illegal and unconstitutional”.
According to Igbagbo, “The Peoples Democratic Party Ondo State chapter wishes to express its utmost displeasure against the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over his continued lack of transparency in governance, which accounts for his refusal to properly constitute his cabinet in the last 90 days.”
The opposition party cited Section 192(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that a governor must appoint commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office. It also accused Aiyedatiwa of failing the “moral test” of inclusive governance.
“Apart from the fact the governor is already running foul of the law… the governor has equally failed the moral test of inclusive governance which is the hallmark of participatory democracy,” the PDP stated.
But the APC has dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.
Responding in a counter-statement on Saturday, the Ondo APC Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the governor had complied with the constitutional requirement and had already appointed key cabinet members. Otaloro added that the process of appointing additional members was ongoing and based on merit and inclusivity.
“The claims presented by the PDP are not only unfounded but also reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the progress the administration has made in just 100 days of governance,” Otaloro stated.
“It is important to clarify that Governor Aiyedatiwa has fulfilled the constitutional provision regarding the appointment of members of his cabinet upon assuming office.”
Otaloro stressed that while some portfolios are yet to be filled, appointments were being handled deliberately to ensure that only the most qualified individuals make the cut.
“The governor is in the process of appointing additional members to other portfolios, a task that requires careful consideration and due diligence to ensure that the best candidates are chosen to serve the interests of the people of Ondo State,” the statement added.
The APC also accused the PDP of hypocrisy, claiming the party failed in transparency when it previously governed the state.
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“The PDP’s claim of a lack of transparency is a projection of their own failings during their time in office. The Aiyedatiwa administration is committed to transparency and accountability.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to delay the full formation of a cabinet appears to be part of a cautious political strategy in a state still recovering from internal party tensions following Akeredolu’s prolonged illness and eventual death.
Although the constitution allows governors to appoint aides and assign responsibilities without immediate full cabinet formation, political observers say the delay often reflects internal negotiations within the ruling party, especially in states with upcoming elections.
The PDP’s public rebuke appears aimed at building pressure ahead of the November 2024 Ondo State governorship election, where Aiyedatiwa is expected to run under the APC banner. His ability to balance governance with political consensus-building will likely define his chances of securing re-election.
