Political activity across Ondo North Senatorial District has intensified, with reported late-night consultations among APC members and progressive stakeholders in Owo Local Government Area signaling organized dissent ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Central to these developments is Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, a leading senatorial aspirant on the APC platform, who is widely associated with the emergence and expansion of the newly registered Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) in Ondo State. Despite repeated requests from journalists and analysts for comment, Chief Ajipe has not responded, a stance that has heightened speculation about his strategic intentions and the implications for party cohesion.
The Owo Youth General Assembly has publicly endorsed Chief Ajipe's senatorial ambition, characterizing his candidacy as a necessary step toward equity and representation for the Owo/Ose voting bloc, which it argues has been marginalized for nearly two decades. The youth body rejected claims that its endorsement was unauthorized, stating that the support reflects the collective position of young people in Owo Kingdom.
Evidence of a broader DLA strategy is emerging across multiple federal constituencies in Ondo State. In Akoko South Federal Constituency, indications suggest a candidate from Oka may contest for the House of Representatives under the DLA banner. In Akoko North Federal Constituency, a candidate from Ikare is also expected to emerge, consolidating DLA presence across the Akoko axis.
In Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, a kitchen cabinet aide within Chief Ajipe's inner circle has reportedly surfaced as the DLA's candidate, with additional allies positioning for candidacies in other constituencies. This coordinated expansion raises critical questions about Chief Ajipe's ultimate trajectory, whether he will contest the Senate on the DLA platform to challenge incumbent Senator Jide Ipinsagba, or continue to engage the APC primary process while simultaneously strengthening a parallel political structure.
Chief Ajipe, who declared his Senate ambition in April 2026 and submitted APC nomination forms in May, has consistently cautioned party leadership that excluding Owo and Ose from top ticket candidacies would undermine the APC's prospects in 2027. He has framed his candidacy as a movement for fairness and internal party unity, insisting that Owo/Ose deserves its turn after years of perceived marginalization.
However, his reported orchestration of DLA activities across multiple constituencies has generated concerns about factionalism and the potential fragmentation of the APC in Ondo North ahead of primaries.
Stakeholders across Ondo State are calling for dialogue, transparency, and strict adherence to democratic norms to prevent further escalation. The unfolding situation underscores the high stakes of the 2027 electoral cycle and the fragile nature of political alliances in the region.
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