Recent videos circulating on social media feature an interview between Journalist Seun Okinbaloye and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, discussing APC politics in Ondo State. Seun Okinbaloye asks the minister about alleged tensions between his supporters and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s supporters, asking why the minister is ‘disturbing the peace of Ondo State politics’ and whether the minister is seen as a threat. Tunji-Ojo calls the claims insulting, asserts there are no issues in the Ondo APC, and stresses his focus on ministerial duties under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. KEHINDE ADEGOKE reports.
Excerpt:
Seun Okinbaloye: Why are you disturbing the peace of APC politics in Ondo State? Because that is the inference. The governor thinks he’s making every effort, but it does look like some of your supporters and those of Governor Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State are always at loggerheads. Why?
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo responds: “Seun.”
Seun Okinbaloye follows up: “Are you a threat?”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Seun, to me, that’s very insulting. Disturbing the peace? I find that extremely insulting.
Seun Okinbaloye: Because they think that your supporters, your supporters, are at loggerheads with that of the governor.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Hold on. Based on what I’ve said tonight and what Mr President has achieved in less than three years in the Ministry of Interior, does that sound like a distracted minister? My darling, Mr President has given me a huge responsibility in the Ministry of Interior, and that’s all that matters to me.
Seun Okinbaloye inquires: “What is the problem in APC Ondo State?”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo asserts: “There’s no problem to the best of my knowledge.”
Seun Okinbaloye: Are you on good terms with the governor?
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo responds: “Seun, of course, why not?”
Seun Okinbaloye: But why are your supporters at loggerheads with those of the governor?
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo counters: “Seun, why are you insinuating?”
Seun Okinbaloye: I’m not insinuating. I’ve had people that I’ve spoken with here, who disagree with the governor, and there are those of the governor’s side who think that some of you guys are thinking, some of your supporters think that they are, they have been left behind. Is it that your supporters were left behind?
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo answers: “Seun, you are probably, maybe you’re in the business of insinuations right now.”
Seun Okinbaloye: No. I’m telling you, Minister, that I’ve had people from your state in the APC in Ondo talk to me on this program.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Hold on.
Seun Okinbaloye interjects: “Hold on…”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Can we, can we, Seun, APC in Ondo State is strong. We’re working, and by the grace of God, we will deliver a massive victory for Mr President.
Seun Okinbaloye: Only if the president and some of your supporters and those of the governor were fighting at the congress.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Why, why are you separating the governor’s supporters and my supporters? We’re all working to help Mr President succeed.
Seun Okinbaloye: I’ve had a full program where your supporters and that of the governor were at loggerheads right on this program, Minister.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo responds: “Well, I’m not aware of it.”
Seun Okinbaloye asks: “Is that something that we don’t know?”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo answers: “I don’t comment on what I don’t know. Unless there’s something you want me to know. And if you want me to know, then enlighten me.”
Seun Okinbaloye: Is all well in APC, Ondo State?
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Seun, all is well. And as you can see, I told you, there’s a huge responsibility that Mr President has given me. And my only desire is to do all we can to make this government prosper.
Seun Okinbaloye: We are totally out of time tonight. Minister, are you guys worried in the APC that in 2027, some parties like ADC will send you packing?
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo responds: “Seun.”
Seun Okinbaloye asks: “Can you give me a break?”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says: “Yes. When you have something that you think you want me to comment on, then talk about it.”
Seun Okinbaloye: The opposition thinks that your party, your time is up, and your party, 2027, is the time for you to pack your bags and go.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo responds: “Do you stop a man who is asleep from dreaming? Let them dream.”
Seun Okinbaloye says, “That’s what the opposition is.”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo repeats: “Do you stop a man who is asleep from dreaming?”
Seun Okinbaloye: Honourable Minister for Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, thank you so much indeed for your time tonight. I appreciate it.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo replies: “Thank you…”
Seun Okinbaloye concludes the program: “That’s our show for today, everyone. Thanks for watching. I’m Seun Okinbaloye. God bless and good night.”
