The elders of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have condemned the recent protests that greeted that release of candidates list by some aggrieved members of the party, urging them to abide with the decision of the party on the matter.
Some women within the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ondo State on Monday took to the streets of Akure , the state capital, to protest against the list of candidates released by the National Working Committee of the party .
The protesters alleged that the names on the list did not win the last House of Representatives primary election held last month.
Speaking on the development in Akure while addressing journalists, on Wednesday, the Chairman of the APC Elders Forum in the state, Demola Ijabiyi, said the elders threw their weight behind the decision of the national secretariat of the party on the candidates list of the party that was released.
According to him, the decision of the NWC has reaffirmed that the APC remained a party governed by its constitution, established rules, and transparent processes, rather than by personal preferences or sectional interests.
He said the primaries of the party conducted in Ondo State last month was not free and fair, saying the primaries were mere imposition. He also stated that there was no need for any protest over the decision of the NWC on the candidates list.
Ijabiyi said, “We have consistently cautioned against every form of candidate imposition within our party in Ondo State. We maintained, at every opportunity, that the wishes of party members, the integrity of the nomination process, and the supremacy of the party must never be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition or political expediency
”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. No amount of public protest can convert defeat into victory where no legitimate mandate was won in the first place.
”The decisions of the party’s leadership are binding on all members, and the supremacy of the party must prevail over personal ambition or sectional interests. Continued protests and acts of defiance can only amount to indiscipline and risk placing those involved at variance with the party’s core values and constitutional principles. We therefore call on all concerned to respect the party’s decision, submit to its authority, and channel their energies towards strengthening the APC and ensuring its continued success.
”This development sends a clear message that the APC remains the final authority on party nominations and that no individual, regardless of position, is greater than the party.”
Ijabiyi said the group remained fully committed to mobilising support across Ondo State for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and other candidates of the APC in the forthcoming general election in 2027.
He also said the group would continue to promote reconciliation among party members, and defending the democratic ideals upon which the APC was founded.
”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 urged .
