The candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Michael Akintomide, has urged aggrieved party members to halt ongoing protests over the National Assembly candidates’ list and unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His appeal follows growing dissatisfaction within the Ondo APC after the release of names submitted by the party leadership to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Some party members recently staged protests in Akure, rejecting aspects of the list and raising concerns over the outcome of the selection process.
Supporters of the lawmaker representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Abiola Makinde, also protested after his name was excluded from the final candidates’ list.
Speaking with journalists in Ondo on Friday, Akintomide downplayed concerns that the disagreement could weaken the party’s chances in future elections, describing the situation as an internal matter that would be settled amicably.
According to him, members should respect the authority of the APC National Working Committee and embrace the principle of party supremacy.
“There is no need for agitation. 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,” he said.
Akintomide maintained that disagreements after party primaries were not unusual and urged members to place collective interests above personal ambitions.
“People have the right to express their displeasure, but at the end of the day, we will come together and understand that the party is superior to any personal interest,” he stated.
Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, he said APC members, supporters and candidates would eventually close ranks and work together.
“The APC has done so much for this country that we cannot afford to lose the forthcoming election. We will all come together as one eventually and emerge victorious. Our victory is sure, and the re-election of President Bola Tinubu is sure next year,” Akintomide added.
The development highlights the internal challenges that frequently trail party primaries, especially in politically strategic constituencies where multiple aspirants compete for a limited number of tickets.
Also speaking, the APC candidate for Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Jimi Odimayo, urged members to support all candidates who emerged through the party’s processes.
He stressed that despite differences that arose during the primaries, the APC remained united.
“I advise all party members to accept the candidates of the party. They should unite and work for the progress of the party. We have a fantastic relationship. It is one family,” Odimayo said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their contributions during the primary process.
Observers say how effectively the APC resolves grievances among its members could shape the party’s preparedness and cohesion as the countdown to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
