WE CONDEMN ONDO PROTEST --APC ELDERS

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum in Ondo State has condemned protests over the party’s recently released candidates’ list, urging aggrieved members to accept the decisions of the National Working Committee (NWC) and prioritise party unity.

The call followed a protest on Monday by a group of APC women in Akure, the Ondo State capital, who rejected the candidates’ list released by the party’s national leadership. 

The protesters alleged that the list did not reflect the outcome of the House of Representatives primary elections conducted last month.

Addressing a press conference in Akure, Chairman of the APC Elders Forum in the state, Demola Ijabiyi, defended the NWC’s decisions, describing them as consistent with the party’s constitution, established guidelines and internal democratic processes.

He acknowledged the disappointment of some aspirants and their supporters but urged them to accept the outcome with maturity.

“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,” Ijabiyi said.

He stressed that protests would not overturn decisions where no legitimate victory had been established, adding that the supremacy of the party must take precedence over individual ambitions or sectional interests.

According to him, continued agitation could amount to indiscipline and undermine the APC’s core values.
Ijabiyi also reaffirmed the elders’ commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections, while pledging to promote reconciliation among party members.

“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 said.