… Says NASS candidates list intervention timely

Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State under the aegis of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum have commended the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for its intervention in resolving the contentious primary election outcomes.

According to the elders under the aegis of PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, the actions of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the primaries had threatened to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The forum, speaking through its chairman, Demola Ijabiyi, during a press briefing in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Wednesday, disclosed that the NWC’s decision to review and approve candidates for the upcoming elections had reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

Ijabiyi, who maintained that decision of the NWC, had helped in averting a potential electoral disaster for the ruling party in the state in 2027.

The elders stressed that there had been genuine apprehension before the intervention that the party risked losing some National Assembly seats through protest votes and internal disaffection, with signs of division and apathy increasingly evident across the state.

While warning that continued protests and acts of defiance could amount to indiscipline, Ijabiyi maintained that it risks placing those involved at variance with the party’s core values and constitutional principles.

The elders called on all leaders, elected officials, aspirants, and stakeholders to close ranks, eschew divisive politics, and work together in the overall interest of the party and the people of Ondo State.

Ijabiyi stated that “the outcome of the primaries raised serious concerns among party members. Several serving legislators, despite their established political structures and impressive records of performance, were credited with figures that many considered difficult to reconcile with the realities on the ground.

“One example is Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency. It was reported that although he secured well over 400 votes in his own ward, he was credited with only 147 votes across the entire federal constituency of 23 wards. Such results naturally generated widespread concern and called for careful review.

“These serving National Assembly members have remained loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and have rendered commendable service to both their constituencies and our great party. We therefore found it difficult to understand the basis upon which such experienced and performing representatives were displaced.

“Consequently, we appealed to Mr President and the National Working Committee to review the situation in the interest of justice, fairness, and party unity.

“Today, we are delighted that the National Working Committee has exercised its constitutional authority to address those concerns. We sincerely thank the leadership of our party for restoring confidence in the nomination process and reaffirming the supremacy of the APC.

“Many loyal members had become discouraged, while signs of division and apathy were becoming increasingly evident. We commend the National Working Committee for taking timely action to preserve party cohesion and electoral strength.

“We understand the disappointment and frustration of those members and their supporters whose hopes were built on 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. No amount of public protest can convert defeat into victory where no legitimate mandate was won in the first place.

“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. Continued protests and acts of defiance can only amount to indiscipline and risk placing those involved at variance with the party’s core values and constitutional principles.”