… Backs NWC on primaries’ outcome

… Tells Aiyedatiwa to caution appointees

A support within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Ondo State chapter of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), has condemned the participation of the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Seun Osamaye, in Monday’s protest against the National Assembly candidates’ list released by the party’s leadership.

While describing Osamaye’s conduct as an affront to the party’s constitutional authority, the group maintained that the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) was consistent with the APC Constitution and reflected the party’s long-standing commitment to justice, internal democracy and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the overall interest of the party.

The group in a statement signed by the Director-General of GMT, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, however, congratulated all successful candidates who emerged from the APC National Assembly nomination process in the state.

The Director-General also appreciated President Bola Tinubu; the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; members of the NWC; the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and other party leaders for upholding the decision of the party’s Appeal Committee.

The NWC had on June 29, 2026, reviewed the outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries in Ondo State, replacing several candidates who initially emerged victorious.

In a letter addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC forwarded its final list after considering reports submitted by the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committees.

GMT noted that the NWC has, over the years, demonstrated fairness, courage and impartiality in resolving post-primary disagreements in the state.

The statement read in part, “We also wish to remind party members that aggrieved stakeholders had similarly respected the intervention of the National Working Committee during previous internal disputes, including those arising from the party congresses, by withdrawing court cases instituted against the party in the interest of unity and cohesion.

“GMT condemns the unfortunate conduct of some Ondo State government appointees led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye, over this matter.

“Having served both at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja and as a legislative aide in the National Assembly, Mrs Osamaye should be well acquainted with the constitutional responsibilities and authority of the National Working Committee.

“It is therefore disappointing that she chose to publicly challenge the constituted authority of the party rather than promote respect for its supremacy. While every party member is entitled to personal opinions, GMT maintains that public officials, particularly political appointees, should exercise restraint and refrain from actions capable of undermining party unity or eroding confidence in the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

“We therefore call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to caution his appointees and ensure that all government officials respect the decisions and supremacy of our great party in the interest of peace, discipline and the continued unity and stability of the APC.”