The elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have taken a firm stand against recent protests sparked by the release of the party’s candidates list, urging all members to respect the party’s decisions amid the turbulence.

On Monday, a group of aggrieved women affiliated with the ruling party, APC, took to the streets of Akure, the state capital, voicing their discontent over the candidate list published by the National Working Committee (NWC). The protesters claimed that the list included names that did not reflect the true results of the House of Representatives primary elections held last month.

Addressing the matter during a press conference in Akure, the Chairman of the APC Elders Forum in Ondo State, Demola Ijabiyi, voiced strong support for the decisions made by the party’s national secretariat regarding the candidates. He emphasized that the NWC’s actions reinforce the integrity of the APC, which is in accordance to its constitution, established rules, and fair processes, rather than personal interests or regional biases.

Ijabiyi acknowledged the frustrations expressed by the protesters, stating, “We understand the disappointment and frustration of those members and their supporters whose hopes were built on primary election results that were neither authentic nor sustainable. However, they owe it to themselves to accept the decision of our national leadership with dignity and without further agitation.” He made it clear that public protests cannot alter the outcome where no legitimate victory was achieved.

Underscoring the need for unity within the party, Ijabiyi declared, “The decisions of the party’s leadership are binding on all members, and the supremacy of the party must prevail over personal ambition or sectional interests.” He emphasised that continued protests could be viewed as acts of indiscipline, potentially putting dissenters at odds with the fundamental values of the APC.

Additionally, Ijabiyi expressed unwavering commitment from the elders to back President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections. He stated the group’s determination to foster reconciliation among party members and defend the democratic principles upon which the APC was founded.

“We therefore call on all leaders, elected officials, aspirants, and stakeholders to close ranks, eschew divisive politics, and work together in the overall interest of our party and the people of Ondo State,” he urged, fostering a message of unity within the ranks of the APC.