The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State has taken a fresh dimension, with a governorship aspirant in the state, Abayomi Semako Hunye, declaring that only President Bola Tinubu can call for a dispute resolution process that he would be willing to listen to.

Hunye, a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, stated this on Saturday while speaking with journalists at his annual birthday celebration, organised by his supporters from across all the local government areas of the state.

The politician, who hails from Ogun West Senatorial District, said repeated attempts by party leaders to persuade him to step down for the sake of the APC had become unacceptable, insisting that he had made enough sacrifices for the party.

He said, “The reconciliation stage has passed. Only the President, the leader of the party and the father of the nation, can call me, and I will listen.

“Leaders in the party are afraid to reach out to me because they have asked me to step down several times for the sake of the party, which I have obliged. Why should I always be the one to step down?

“I am sure that if the President is to give a verdict in this case, it will be in my favour because he definitely won’t support impunity.”

Hunye’s comment comes amid deepening political tension within the Ogun APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He also dismissed allegations that his political position was financially motivated, challenging anyone who claimed to have given him money in connection with his mandate to come forward and prove it.

“Quote me anywhere, I have never called anyone to negotiate my mandate or collected a kobo from anyone, not even Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly called Yayi. Please ask him and let him prove me wrong if I am telling lies,” Hunye said.

On his chances in the 2027 governorship election, particularly in the face of the financial strength of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ladi Adebutu, Hunye expressed confidence in his ability to win.

He hinged his optimism on the agitation for Ogun West to produce the next governor of the state, as well as what he described as his popularity and acceptability across Ogun.

Hunye also referred to Adebutu’s reported statement that he would step down if Ogun West produced an “original son of Yewa” as its governorship candidate.

According to him, the growing demand for power to shift to Ogun West could translate into massive electoral support for him.

“The sentiment about citizens of Ogun State wanting Ogun West to produce the next governor is enough to make me win by a great landslide, coupled with the fact that I am popular and acceptable among the Ogun people,” he said.

Hunye also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined, warning them against insulting, threatening or attacking anyone in his name.

He said he would respect the eventual decision of the court, regardless of the outcome, but expressed confidence in victory, considering the nature of the case before the court.