Ondo APC forms committee to reconcile aggrieved aspirants ahead of 2027 polls

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Nigeria, has established a reconciliation committee to address internal disputes arising from the party's primary elections and candidate nominations for the 2027 general election.

The committee is headed by Biyi Poroye, Chairman of the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission. Its formation follows legal challenges initiated by several aspirants who claim their names were removed from the final candidate lists submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission by the party's National Working Committee.

One of the aggrieved aspirants, former Commissioner for Energy Razaq Obe, has voiced concerns that the ongoing crisis could negatively impact President Bola Tinubu and the APC's performance in Ondo State during the 2027 presidential election. Obe stated in an interview with Arise TV that if elections were held today, the President's standing in the state, where he previously secured 67% of the vote, could be jeopardized.

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There is no way we will go through political activities without issues. There will be political bickering, there will be arguments, but one thing that is good about our party is that we have internal mechanisms for resolving disagreements.

Ondo State APC Chairman Babatunde Kolawole announced the committee's formation after extensive consultations with party leadership. He emphasized that while political disagreements are common, the APC possesses internal mechanisms for resolution. "There is no way we will go through political activities without issues. There will be political bickering, there will be arguments, but one thing that is good about our party is that we have internal mechanisms for resolving disagreements," Kolawole said.

Kolawole assured that the committee, comprising influential stakeholders and party leaders, would begin its work immediately. He also addressed the concerns raised by aspirants like Obe, stating that while individuals have the right to express their opinions, these views do not represent the official party stance. "Those who did not win have every right to express their opinions. Razaq Obe is entitled to his opinion. He did not speak on behalf of the party, the government or the leadership. He spoke as an individual," Kolawole added.

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Those who did not win have every right to express their opinions. Razaq Obe is entitled to his opinion. He did not speak on behalf of the party, the government or the leadership. He spoke as an individual.