Elders within the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have advised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to avoid imposing candidates on the party ahead of the 2027 National and State Assembly primaries.
Operating under the banner of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Elders Forum, the group emphasised the need for broad consultation and inclusiveness in selecting aspirants, warning that sidelining stakeholders could trigger internal discord within the party.
The group’s convener, Ademola Ijabiyi, made this known on Wednesday in Akure during a free medical outreach for elderly residents, an initiative sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Ijabiyi noted that while the elders were open to any primary election method eventually adopted by the party, it was important for the governor to engage widely with party stakeholders before endorsing candidates.
“We are not an appendage of the government or the governor. We are independent elders working for the election of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
He expressed concern that many elders had not been carried along in ongoing consultations regarding prospective candidates, despite indications that some aspirants had already held meetings with the governor.
“As a matter of party politics, the governor is expected to influence the selection of House of Assembly members because they will work with him. But a wise governor will consult widely before making decisions,” he added.
The elders voiced optimism that the party’s primaries would proceed without major disruptions but said they were ready to step in should disagreements arise.
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Ijabiyi stressed that the forum was not backing any aspirant, maintaining that its focus remained on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in Ondo State, saying the party would secure significant votes for Tinubu, citing what he described as increasing support for both the President and the party.
Disputes over candidate imposition and primary processes have long been a source of tension within Nigeria’s political parties, often resulting in court battles, defections, and internal fractures.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, stakeholders across political parties have continued to call for transparent and inclusive primary elections to foster unity and prevent post-primary conflicts.
In Ondo State, political activities are already intensifying, with party leaders engaging in consultations and aspirants positioning themselves for elective offices.