2027: Ondo APC elders reject rainbow coalition

Elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have rejected a coalition arrangement with other political parties to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, insisting that the party is strong enough to secure victory for him in the state.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had formed a Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party platform in some states aimed at supporting Tinubu’s 2027 re-election while allowing participating parties to contest local government and legislative positions.

However, Chairman of the elders’ group, operating under the auspices of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mandate Elders Forum, Dr Demola Ijabiyi, said at a meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday that such an arrangement was unnecessary in the state.

He said the APC was firmly established in Ondo and capable of delivering the targeted one million-plus votes for the President.

Ijabiyi said, “We recognise the value of cooperation among political parties pursuing a common objective. However, the circumstances of each state must determine the form such cooperation takes.

“In Ondo State, the APC is the dominant political party, controlling government at both the state and local government levels. We therefore see no justification for any coalition arrangement that requires us to sacrifice our candidates or surrender constituencies in exchange for support for President Tinubu.

“We warmly invite other political parties to endorse and support the President’s re-election. Our doors are open to all who share our conviction that his administration should consolidate its reforms and development agenda.

“However, support for the President need not depend on displacing APC candidates. We have confidence in our candidates and their prospects of victory. Our task is to secure the success of the entire APC ticket while building the widest possible support for the President.”

The APC elders’ chairman also urged the party’s National Assembly and state assembly candidates to actively participate in the ongoing mobilisation campaign ahead of the elections.

He said, “They must add the full weight of their personal campaigns to this collective effort. Their participation must reach the polling units. Every candidate should know the strength of the party in each unit within the constituency, identify gaps in mobilisation and work with local leaders to address them.”

The former lawmaker also appealed to women and youths in the party to begin door-to-door campaigns to help the President secure more than the targeted one million votes in the state.

He said, “We call on APC women and youths to take their place at the forefront of this assignment. Women and young people are central to our communities and to any successful mobilisation effort. Their networks reach into homes, markets, workplaces, schools, professional associations and neighbourhoods across the state.

“We urge them to begin sustained door-to-door engagement: explaining our party’s case, listening respectfully to voters’ concerns and encouraging eligible citizens to participate in the elections.

“Our message must be persuasive and grounded in the President’s record and the opportunities his administration seeks to create. Where citizens raise concerns, we must respond with facts, patience and understanding. Women and youths will have meaningful responsibilities in leadership, planning and mobilisation.”

He also urged party leaders at the local government and ward levels to fully involve women and youths in taking the party’s message to every community.