Elders of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have raised serious concerns over the growing division within the party following the conduct of its recent ward congress.
Operating under the banner of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, the group described the exercise as deeply flawed, warning that the crisis it triggered could threaten party unity ahead of future elections.
Reports from Idanre Local Government Area revealed that violence erupted in several wards during the congress, with suspected political thugs attacking party members, leaving several people injured and vehicles set ablaze. Among those attacked was a close relative of the state APC chairman, Raphael Adetimehin, who reportedly sustained serious injuries.
Despite the unrest, the ward congress committee, led by Mrs Margaret Araruenu, announced that the exercise was successfully concluded.
Speaking during the forum’s monthly meeting in Akure on Wednesday, the group’s facilitator, Dr Ademola Ijabiyi, lamented that the congress had deepened internal cracks within the party. He disclosed that a formal petition had already been forwarded to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene swiftly to prevent lasting damage to the party structure in the state.
Ijabiyi explained that the group remains committed to advancing President Tinubu’s re-election agenda, adding that any development capable of undermining party unity must be addressed without delay.
He said the emergence of parallel congresses in many wards had created confusion and mistrust, stressing that such a situation could weaken the party’s grassroots base. According to him, the elders are confident that the President, as the national leader of the party, would act decisively to restore cohesion and stability in Ondo APC.
Addressing speculations of a rift between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Ijabiyi said the elders had not received any official confirmation of such conflict. However, he admitted that the ward congress crisis had exposed underlying tensions within the party.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the forum, Mr Olorunnibe Tawose, explained that the meeting also focused on healthcare support for elderly members of the party. He said free medical tests, including blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and prostate screening, were conducted, alongside the distribution of essential medications.
Tawose added that the initiative, sponsored by the Interior Minister, was designed to promote the wellbeing of elderly party members while also providing a platform for constructive dialogue on pressing political developments in the state.
The APC elders appealed for calm and unity, urging party leaders at all levels to prioritize reconciliation and internal harmony ahead of future electoral contests.
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