Ondo APC Rep candidate urges aggrieved members to shun protests

Michael Akintomide, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in Ondo State, has called for an end to ongoing protests against the party's finalized candidates' list. He urged aggrieved members to unite and focus on securing victory in the upcoming general election.

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There is no need for agitation. For clarity’s sake, 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. Even if there are protests, don’t join them. Believe in the process.

The protests were initiated by some party members dissatisfied with the National Assembly candidates' list released by the party's national secretariat and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Supporters of Abiola Makinde, the incumbent House of Representatives member for the constituency, also protested his exclusion from the list.

Akintomide, however, dismissed concerns that the internal dissent would harm the party's electoral prospects. He characterized the situation as a temporary internal misunderstanding that would be resolved amicably, emphasizing the principle of party supremacy. "Whatever they are saying on social media that is contrary to the position of the party should be ignored. Even if there are protests, don’t join them. Believe in the process," he stated.

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Not at all. Don’t be surprised. This is not new in any political election. This is the aftermath of an election. People have the right to agitate and express their displeasure. However, at the end of the day, we will come to the round table and understand that the party is superior to any personal interest.

He reassured party faithful that such agitations are common after elections and that a resolution would be reached. "At the end of the day, we will come to the round table and understand that the party is superior to any personal interest," Akintomide added. He expressed strong belief in the APC's achievements and the certainty of President Bola Tinubu's re-election.

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The APC has done so much for this country that we cannot afford to lose the forthcoming election. So trust APC members, trust APC supporters, and trust APC candidates. We will all come together as one eventually and emerge victorious, as we have always done. Our victory is sure; the reelection of President Bola Tinubu is sure next year.

Similarly, Jimi Odimayo, the APC candidate for Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, encouraged party members to support the candidates emerging from the primaries. He stressed the APC's unity as a family, despite differing interests during the nomination contests, and lauded President Tinubu, the National Working Committee, and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their roles in the process.

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I advise all party members to accept the candidates of the party. I advise them to unite and work for the progress of the party. We have a fantastic relationship. It’s one family.