The reported cold war between Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s National Assembly members over return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections deepened, a party source said.

The development was disclosed in Akure amid ongoing political activities in Ondo State. The disagreement centres on the prospects of sitting federal lawmakers from the state securing party tickets to return to the National Assembly.

A leader of the All-Progressives Congress, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the governor has vowed that the nine members of the House of Representatives and two senators from Ondo State should not receive return tickets.

The party leader alleged that Aiyedatiwa met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa and raised concerns about the lawmakers’ popularity and connection with constituents.

According to the source, the governor reportedly sought the president’s understanding in finding replacements for the federal lawmakers.

The party leader said, “The governor met with President Tinubu last Thursday and allegedly told the president that none of the federal lawmakers from Ondo State should be allowed to return to the National Assembly, claiming they were no longer popular.”

Another party official, representing the lawmakers, said they had previously met with the governor to express their intention to contest again in the 2027 elections.

Representative Donald Ojogo of Ilaje/Ese‑Odo Federal Constituency denied knowledge of any meeting in which the governor made such claims and said the lawmakers maintain a good relationship with Aiyedatiwa.