Elders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have cautioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa against imposing standard-bearers for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. They warned that unpopular candidates may fail to secure victory for the party at the polls.
Elders Voice Concerns Over Lack of Consultation
The elders, operating under the aegis of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, stated that they were not consulted by the governor regarding the emergence of candidates. They raised concerns about a potential disconnect between the state leadership and grassroots party structures, emphasizing that a smart and intelligent governor must consult widely and understand the pulse of stakeholders in various constituencies.
Ademola Ijabiyi, the forum’s state facilitator, spoke after the group’s monthly meeting in Akure. He noted that the elders had only heard reports that the governor may have made some selections, but no official list has been released.
Endorsement of President Tinubu
Ijabiyi also announced that the forum had endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the consensus candidate, citing his extraordinary performance in office. The elders dismissed opposition concerns about a potential one-party state as mischief. They also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as a worthy son of the state whose performance has earned national recognition.
Healthcare Initiatives for Elders
The forum disclosed that over 3,000 elders across the state have benefited from its expanding healthcare initiatives. The group initiated basic health screenings after noticing that some elderly members were unable to attend meetings due to medical conditions.
Legal Expert Advises on Candidate Positioning
Shola Ajisafe, a legal practitioner and member of the forum, advised the state government and APC leadership to ensure proper positioning of candidates ahead of primaries and the main elections. He stated, “A smart and intelligent governor will do just one basic thing: consult widely. But when you decide not to consult people, you just feel that you are the only law. It brings a lot of dissent, disenchantment, and all the rest. And we don’t need it in our state.”
