The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in its growing unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that efforts to reconcile aggrieved members and bring different tendencies together are yielding positive results.
The party stated that its doors remain open to all members, regardless of past disagreements, insisting that no leader or interest group has been excluded from the reconciliation process.
The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign in Ondo State, Victor Olabimtan, said the reconciliation committee established after the party congress has been engaging leaders and groups across the country to resolve differences and strengthen the party.
He disclosed that the committee has visited Abuja to meet with some party leaders and has also reached out to others in Lagos and different parts of the country.
For Olabimtan, the appearance of Wale Akinterinwa and Princess Oladunni Odu at the recent presidential campaign rally in Ondo State was an indication that the reconciliation efforts are beginning to yield results, particularly as both leaders had previously been estranged from some members of the party.
He said he has also personally reached out to some party leaders, while Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has made the task of bringing all tendencies together a priority since assuming leadership of the party in the state.
Olabimtan noted that President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as the APC’s sole presidential candidate has provided an opportunity for members to put their differences aside and work toward a common goal.
“Nobody is left out. All we need to do is to ensure that we put more effort into strengthening the existing unity that we are all enjoying in the party today,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the growing cooperation among members will translate into electoral victories for Tinubu, as well as APC candidates contesting senatorial, House of Representatives, and state and national assembly seats.
Also speaking, the Party’s State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole dismissed concerns about disagreements among party leaders, insisting that there is no rivalry within the party to warrant alarm.
Kolawole, who spoke at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure on Friday, said members should see themselves as part of one political family rather than competitors.
He argued that the absence of a governorship election in Ondo State in 2027, coupled with Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s sole presidential candidate, leaves little basis for the speculated rivalry.
“Therefore, there is no rivalry. There is no cause for alarm. I can assure you we are on top of it and everything will be okay,” he said.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to Tinubu and the APC National Chairman for their support, while also recognizing the contributions of Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and other party members to the success of the presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, APC chieftain Chief Olusola Oke dismissed concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 elections, maintaining that Ondo State has remained peaceful despite reports of political thuggery in other parts of the country.
He expressed confidence that the 2027 polls will be peaceful, saying, “At the end of the day, we are going to have the most peaceful election.”
Oke insisted that no opposition politician or political party has been attacked by thugs in Ondo State, urging those raising concerns about electoral violence to distinguish between the situation in the state and developments elsewhere.
He commended journalists in Ondo for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that the media has a responsibility to scrutinize the wider political environment rather than limit its attention to party activities and campaign rallies.
While acknowledging reports of violence in other states, he attributed the incidents to opposition to the Tinubu administration’s reforms and alleged attempts by some individuals to undermine the electoral process.
He expressed confidence that security agencies will contain any threats to public peace and commended Aiyedatiwa for his efforts to maintain security in the state in his capacity as Chief Security Officer.
Oke, however, acknowledged that political disagreements are inevitable in a diverse country like Nigeria, cautioning against allowing isolated security incidents to undermine the peaceful atmosphere needed for the 2027 general elections.
