The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Michael Akintomide, has appealed to aggrieved members of the party to discontinue ongoing protests over the party’s National Assembly candidates’ list and unite to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
The appeal follows protests by some dissatisfied APC members in Akure over the list of National Assembly candidates submitted by the party’s national leadership to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Supporters of the incumbent lawmaker representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Abiola Makinde, also staged protests after his name was omitted from the final list of candidates released by the party.
Speaking with journalists in Ondo on Friday, Akintomide dismissed concerns that the protests could affect the APC’s electoral fortunes, describing the disagreement as an internal party matter that would be resolved amicably.
“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,” he said.
He noted that post-primary disagreements are common in politics and expressed confidence that party members would eventually close ranks in the interest of the APC.
“Don’t be surprised. This is not new in any political election. This is the aftermath of an election. People have the right to agitate and express their displeasure.
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However, at the end of the day, we will come to the round table and understand that the party is superior to any personal interest,” he stated.
Akintomide maintained that the APC remained well-positioned to retain power at the federal level, citing the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The APC has done so much for this country that we cannot afford to lose the forthcoming election. So trust APC members, trust APC supporters and trust APC candidates.
We will all come together as one eventually and emerge victorious, as we have always done. Our victory is sure; the re-election of President Bola Tinubu is sure next year,” he added.
Also speaking, the APC candidate for Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Jimi Odimayo, urged party members to rally behind all candidates that emerged from the party’s primary elections, insisting that the APC remained one united family despite differences during the nomination process.
Odimayo commended 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 and called on members to work together to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
“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.