Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the House of Representatives in Ondo State have appealed to party members to close ranks and work together ahead of the 2027 general election.
The candidates made the appeal on Friday after arriving in Akure following the release of the party’s final National Assembly candidates by the APC National Working Committee (NWC). Supporters welcomed them at Akure Airport.
The candidates also reaffirmed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the leader of the APC in Ondo State.
Akintomide Urges Members to Accept NWC Decision
The APC candidate for Ondo West/Ondo East Federal Constituency, Michael Akintomide, urged party members to remain calm despite the controversy that followed the release of the candidates’ list.
He said members should ignore reports circulating on social media that contradict the decision of the party leadership.
“The National Working Committee has spoken, and there is party supremacy in the party. Whatever they are saying on social media that is contrary to the position of the party should be ignored.”
Akintomide also advised supporters not to participate in protests over the outcome of the primaries.
“Believe in the process. The process has been completed and has produced credible candidates. Let us work together and make sure we promote our party so that we emerge victorious in the forthcoming general elections.”
‘The Party Comes First’
Speaking on the disagreements that followed the primaries, Akintomide described the situation as a normal part of the political process.
He expressed confidence that aggrieved members would eventually reconcile for the benefit of the party.
“People have the right to express their displeasure. However, at the end of the day, we will understand that the party is superior to any personal interest.”
He added that the APC remains determined to retain its electoral strength ahead of the 2027 polls.
Odimayo Calls for Reconciliation
The APC candidate for Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Jimi Odimayo, thanked President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their roles in stabilising the party.
He urged members to accept the party’s candidates and work together during the campaign.
“It is time for all members of the APC to come together and work for our party, work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work for all APC candidates.”
Support Group Backs Tinubu, APC Candidates
Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) in Ondo State, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said supporters gathered at the airport to celebrate the party’s candidates and appreciate President Tinubu’s support for the state.
He said the group had continued to mobilise support for the APC long before the election campaign.
According to him, Tinubu’s administration has delivered several projects across Ondo State, while Tunji-Ojo has also supported communities through infrastructure and empowerment programmes.
“The people of Ondo State are ready. We are not waiting for election campaigns to begin. We have been mobilising and sensitising our people continuously.”
Candidates Reaffirm Support for Aiyedatiwa
The candidates and party leaders also reaffirmed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s position as the leader of the APC in Ondo State.
Akintomide said the party’s constitution recognises the governor as the state leader.
Asagunla urged all party members to remain united regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
“The governor is the leader of the party in the state, and he should be magnanimous because everyone in the APC in Ondo State is one family.”
He expressed confidence that the APC would approach the 2027 general election as a united party.
