‎2027: Ondo APC Elders Raise Concern Over Deepening Division In Party ‎

‎Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have raised concern over what they described as a growing division within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

‎The elders warned that continued disagreements among supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, could weaken the party’s chances of delivering the state for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the election.

‎Chairman of the APC Elders Forum, Demola Ijabiyi, expressed the concern on Wednesday during a meeting of the group in Akure, the state capital.

‎Ijabiyi said the elders considered it their responsibility to promote peace, unity and political stability within the party, while urging members to put the collective interest of the APC ahead of individual political ambitions.

‎He said there was a “dangerous tendency” among members to interpret every political development in terms of who had defeated whom, who controlled the party and who had gained or lost political influence.

‎“This mentality must stop if we genuinely intend to deliver Ondo State overwhelmingly for President Tinubu. There is no victory yet to celebrate. The campaign has not been fought. The election has not been held. The votes have not been counted,” he said.

‎The elders urged members to channel their political energy towards mobilisation, reconciliation and expanding the president’s support base across the state.

‎According to Ijabiyi, all tendencies within the APC capable of attracting votes should be accommodated, while genuine supporters of Tinubu and political leaders with mobilisation capacity should be given roles in the campaign.

‎The elders also expressed concern over attacks allegedly directed at Tunji-Ojo and some party elders by supporters of Aiyedatiwa following the announcement of the state campaign structure.

‎Ijabiyi said while disagreements were normal in politics and democracy allowed robust debate, such disagreements should not degenerate into personal attacks capable of further polarising the party.

‎He said the elders had watched with concern reactions that followed the announcement of the campaign structure, particularly an article written by one of the governor’s supporters.

‎He said, “Ordinarily, we would not respond to every political commentary. Politics naturally generates disagreement, and democracy accommodates robust debate. But there must be boundaries.”

‎Ijabiyi called on members of the party to direct their efforts towards securing victory for Tinubu rather than engaging in political battles over future contests.