Hon Ademola Ijabiyi, right, reading the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum’s position on the 2027 elections
Some elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State have advised against arbitrary imposition of unpopular candidates for the 2027 elections under the guise of consensus
Noting that the Governor holds key influence, they advised him not to act alone if APC hopes to retain unity and win future elections, considering the consequences ofimposing unpopular candidates under the guise of consensus arrangements.
They urged the governor and party leadership to embrace broad consultations and grassroots participation before arriving at any decision on candidates for future elections.
Operating under the auspices of PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, the elders, at a press conference on Wednesday, said its position was driven not by party loyalty alone but by President Tinubu’s “extraordinary performance” since he assumed office.
Speaking through Hon Demola Ijabiyi,the Forum told journalists that Tinubu’s leadership had been defined by bold, and decisive actions aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy and repositioning the country for long-term growth.
Ijabiyi, who is the Facilitator of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State, read the elders’ position.
Justifying their conclusion on Tinubu as the party’s only sole candidate in the 2027 elections, the elders nted that within just over two years in office, the President has “arrested the nation’s drift towards the precipice” and set Nigeria on a trajectory of sustainable development, economic recovery, and renewed global relevance.
Ijabiyi said the body remained neutral in the emerging contest but would resist any political process capable of causing division within the ruling party.
According to him, while speculations persist that some candidates may already be pencilled down for adoption through consensus, no official list has been made public.
“We have only heard reports that the governor may have made some selections, but no official list has been released. As elders, we remain neutral. We do not sponsor candidates; we stand for everyone,” he said.
Ijabiyi, however, acknowledged that governors often wield enormous influence in candidate selection but stressed that wise leadership requires inclusion rather than unilateral control.
“A wise governor is expected to consult widely before making decisions, and we believe that should be the case here.”
The advice comes amid growing anxiety in political circles over possible post-primary disputes if aspirants and stakeholders feel sidelined in the process.
The elders said while they would abide by whatever mode of primaries the party adopts, mechanisms must be put in place to prevent grievances from snowballing into a major crisis.
“Conflict management is part of party administration. If disputes arise, committees will handle them, and elders can also intervene. But we hope the process will be peaceful,” Ijabiyi added.
Adding a sharper tone to the discussion, legal practitioner Shola Ajisafe warned that refusing to consult stakeholders could create resentment and weaken the party ahead of elections.
“Politics is about listening to the people. The governor cannot come to every ward or unit to vote. If people are happy, they will mobilise. If they are ignored, problems begin.”
Ajisafe said no matter the authority given to the governor by party leadership, such power should not be exercised in isolation.
“If he does not consult, that is a big problem. Consultation is what will make the election easier for all of us.”
In a move that distinguished the group from purely political platforms, the elders disclosed that more than 3,000 senior citizens across Ondo State had benefited from their health outreach programmes.
The interventions include blood sugar checks, hypertension screening, prostate tests, cholesterol monitoring and kidney assessments, alongside medical lectures by specialists.
The latest intervention signals that while support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains strong within party ranks, influential blocs are demanding a more inclusive style of leadership as the 2027 race approaches.
With several ambitions already quietly gathering momentum across Ondo, the APC may now face a critical test: whether it can balance executive influence with internal democracy — or risk avoidable cracks before the battle begins.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s willingness to take tough decisions in the national interest, noting that effective leadership is measured by results rather than rhetoric.
It highlighted several gains under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly as they affect Ondo State.
These include the unprecedented appointment of three ministers from the state into the Federal Executive Council, ongoing construction on major federal highways linking the state, and the impact of flagship programmes such as the student loan scheme, housing initiatives, and agricultural interventions across all 18 local government areas.
The Forum also cited improvements in macroeconomic stability, including foreign exchange reforms and growing investor confidence, as well as the granting of greater autonomy to local governments, which it said has strengthened grassroots governance.
Acknowledging key figures behind its activities, the Elders credited Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, for supporting the group’s formation and operations.
They praised his performance in office, noting that his contributions have earned him national recognition, including a recent “Man of the Year” award by Vanguard Newspapers.
Beyond political advocacy, the Forum revealed it has embarked on welfare-driven initiatives for its members, including regular medical outreach programmes.
These include routine checks for blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as broader health screenings and follow-up treatments, facilitated by qualified medical personnel.
The group said its grassroots mobilization efforts—backed by over 15 affiliated support groups—have significantly boosted the APC’s popularity across Ondo State, with structures extending to ward and unit levels. It expressed confidence that the state would deliver massive electoral support for Tinubu in 2027, projecting Ondo as a potential “vote millionaire” stronghold.
Calling on APC leaders and stakeholders in the state to rally behind Tinubu’s candidacy during the party primaries, the Forum maintained that growing defections into the ruling party were a reflection of the President’s performance rather than political opportunism.
The Elders also dismissed opposition claims that APC’s growing dominance signals a drift toward a one-party state, describing such assertions as misleading. Drawing comparisons with established democracies like the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa, they argued that the presence of dominant parties does not undermine democratic principles.
“With 18 registered political parties in Nigeria, APC’s dominance cannot translate into a one-party system,” the Forum stated, recalling that the Peoples Democratic Party once held similar sway in the country’s political landscape.
Reaffirming its position, the Forum declared its determination to translate its endorsement into electoral victory, insisting that “the people are with Tinubu.”
