Ondo APC elders back NWC candidates’ list, urge party unity

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Elders Forum has thrown its weight behind the candidates’ list released by the National Working Committee of the party, urging aggrieved members to accept the decision and refrain from further protests.

The forum’s Chairman, Demola Ijabiyi, made the appeal on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Akure, following Monday’s protest by some women in the party over the list of candidates for the House of Representatives election.

The protesters had alleged that some of the names released by the party’s national leadership were not the winners of the primary elections conducted in the state last month.

In his response, Ijabiyi said the decision of the National Working Committee reaffirmed the supremacy of the party and demonstrated that the APC remained committed to its constitution, established rules and due process.

He, however, alleged that the primary elections conducted in the state were marred by irregularities and described the exercise as an imposition, insisting that the party’s national leadership had taken the appropriate decision by releasing the final candidates’ list.

According to him, members dissatisfied with the outcome should accept the verdict of the party in the interest of unity, warning that continued protests and acts of defiance could undermine party discipline and constitutional principles.

Ijabiyi stressed that no individual was greater than the party, adding that the APC remained the final authority on nominations. He further urged members to channel their efforts towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also assured that the elders’ forum would continue to promote reconciliation among party members and mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu, while calling on leaders, aspirants and stakeholders to close ranks and work together for the success of the APC in Ondo State.