By Dayo Johnson, Akure
AKURE — The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State has advised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa not to act in ways that could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s political interests as the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for future elections.
Convener of the forum, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, said the elders expect the governor to align fully with the President’s agenda, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group was reacting to recent tensions that trailed the APC primaries in the state and National Assembly elections.
Speaking in Akure, Ijabiyi urged the party leadership to ensure that the interests of President Tinubu are prioritised in the selection of National Assembly candidates.
According to him, lawmakers elected on the party’s platform must be individuals capable of effectively working with the President to implement his policies and programmes.
“We don’t want to believe that our governor will work at cross purposes with the President. Whatever interests we have in this state should align with those of Mr. President,” he said.
He added that the outcome of the primaries should reflect candidates who can cooperate with the presidency in advancing national development goals.
Ijabiyi further stressed that National Assembly members play a key role in supporting presidential initiatives and should therefore be selected with that responsibility in mind.
“Our central focus remains the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We do not want anything that will diminish support for him or create divisions within the party,” he said.
The elders said they were awaiting the final release of APC primary results and urged the party leadership to take decisions that would strengthen unity and cohesion within the party.
They also expressed confidence that the APC national leadership would act in a way that avoids internal conflict and protects the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
