By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 National Assembly elections in Ondo State have appealed to aggrieved party members to accept the outcome of the party’s primaries and refrain from protests, insisting that unity is essential for victory in the general elections.
The candidates made the appeal in Akure while addressing journalists after returning from Abuja, where the APC concluded the submission of the results of its National Assembly primaries.
They were received at the Akure Airport by party supporters drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, the APC candidate for Ondo West/Ondo East Federal Constituency, Dr. Michael Akintomide, urged members to remain calm, noting that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had concluded the primary process in line with the APC constitution.
“There is no need for agitation. For clarity’s sake, the National Working Committee has spoken and there is party supremacy.
“Whatever they are saying on social media that is contrary to the position of the party should be ignored. Even if there are protests, don’t join them. Believe in the process. The process has produced credible candidates,” Akintomide said.
He reaffirmed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the leader of the APC in Ondo State and expressed confidence that the governor and the party leadership would continue to work together in the overall interest of the party.
Akintomide dismissed concerns that post-primary disagreements could affect the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, describing such disputes as common in democratic contests.
“People have the right to express their displeasure. However, at the end of the day, we will come to the round table and understand that the party is superior to every personal interest. We will all come together as one and emerge victorious,” he said.
Also speaking, the APC candidate for Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Jimi Odimayo, urged members to support all candidates produced by the primaries.
“I advise all party members to accept the candidates of the party. I advise them to unite and work for the progress of the party. We have a fantastic relationship. It’s one family,” he said.
Odimayo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their roles in the conduct of the primaries.
The Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group in Ondo State, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the reception organised for the candidates was to appreciate President Tinubu and the APC leadership for their support for the state and the party.
According to him, the group has been mobilising and sensitising residents across the state since March 2024 and is optimistic that the APC will improve on its electoral performance in 2027, citing the Tinubu administration’s achievements and ongoing projects in Ondo State.
Asagunla stressed the need for reconciliation within the party, urging members to place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions to ensure victory in the general elections.
