Dare Babalola
Senior members of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have advised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to steer clear of imposing candidates as the party prepares for its 2027 National Assembly and House of Assembly primaries.
The party elders, operating under the platform of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Elders Forum, said broad consultations with stakeholders would be necessary to maintain unity and prevent disputes within the ruling party.
The group’s convener, Ademola Ijabiyi, gave the warning on Wednesday in Akure during a free medical outreach for elderly residents sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Ijabiyi said the forum had no objection to any primary election format the party might adopt, but insisted that candidate emergence must involve meaningful engagement with party leaders and members.
“We are not an extension of the government or the governor. We are independent elders committed to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
He noted that several respected figures in the party had not been carried along in discussions surrounding possible aspirants, despite reports that some hopefuls had already held meetings with the governor.
“In party politics, it is normal for a governor to have influence in choosing House of Assembly candidates because they will work closely with his administration. But a prudent governor must consult widely before taking such decisions,” Ijabiyi added.
The elders said they were hopeful the APC primaries in the state would be conducted peacefully, but stressed that they were ready to mediate if disagreements emerged.
Ijabiyi also stated that the forum remained neutral and was not backing any aspirant, explaining that its immediate focus was to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.
He expressed confidence that the APC would secure overwhelming support in Ondo State in 2027, citing what he described as increasing acceptance of Tinubu and the ruling party among residents.
Disputes over candidate imposition and controversial primaries have repeatedly triggered crises in many political parties across Nigeria, often resulting in court cases, defections and internal divisions.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, political consultations and alliance-building have intensified in Ondo State as contenders position themselves for elective offices.
