By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Ondo State has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress against violating rotation agreements between communities in the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Its state Chairman, Hon. Kennedy Peretei, cited Ese-Odo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Areas, where communities have long-standing rotation arrangements.

He said that ” In Ese-Odo, the deal is between Apoi and Ijaw. In Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, it is between Ile-Oluji and Okeigbo.

Peretei said in a statement that the plan to impose Hon. Oluwatoyin Allen, current member representing Ese-Odo Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, as the APC candidate in 2027 violates the rotation principle between Arogbo-Ijaw and Apoi.

He warned that the move would set a dangerous precedent between communities that have coexisted since the local government was created in 1997.

According to him ” It is impossible to keep quiet when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa begins to do things that can precipitate a crisis in communities that have lived harmoniously together with shared understanding and cooperation,” Peretei said.

Peretei noted that rumours have been rife in recent days about the governor’s plan to return Allen for a second term against the existing rotation arrangement.

“This arrangement was put in place by political, religious, and traditional leaders of Ese-Odo since 1997, when the Local Government was created.

” An arrangement that was a product of heated arguments and horse trading but was agreed to by all concerned for peace, equity, and stability.

Peretei explained that since 1999, the State House of Assembly seat has been the only position that kept fidelity to the rotation, unlike the local government chairmanship which depends on governors’ tenure and preferences.

He pointed to Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo as another constituency that adopted rotation for peace, alternating between Okeigbo with four wards and Ile-Oluji with six wards.

“For emphasis, it is important to reiterate that the rotation arrangement is respected by all political parties in the Local Government.

“Of the more than twenty aspirants jostling to replace Hon. Allen in 2027, all are from the Arogbo-Ijaw axis, across all political divides.

“It is, therefore, unthinkable how the Governor arrived at his decision to give Allen a second term.

” I am sure Allen himself can never contemplate this, because that will set him against powers that he will battle with politically for life if he makes himself a pawn in this Aiyedatiwa’s political chess game.”

“And for those selling the idea of a second term for Allen to the Governor, they will have their date with ignominy, as Judas Iscariot did.” He stated.