By Dayo Johnson Akure

The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has cautioned the party leadership and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa against imposing unpopular candidates under the guise of consensus in the forthcoming primaries.

Chief Ademola Ijabiyi, facilitator and convener of the group, said the forum supports the consensus approach for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections but warned against imposition.

Ijabiyi urged the governor and party leaders to embrace wide consultations before the primaries. He noted that consensus would help minimise internal disputes, foster unity, and strengthen the party’s electoral chances.

According to him “Whatever mode of primaries the party leadership adopts, the process must be transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the wishes of party stakeholders across constituencies.

“As elders, we are neutral. We don’t promote or sponsor candidates. We are for everybody. The President gave governors the nod to play a major role in the emergence of candidates.

“A wise governor will consult widely before taking any decision. We expect our governor to consult widely. If there is any crisis after the process, the elders will call all the gladiators and intervene to resolve it.

“We, as elders, can intervene whenever there is a crisis and that is why we are elders. We stand for everyone. There is no basis for endorsing any candidate at this stage.”

On possible post-primary crises, Ijabiyi expressed confidence in the party’s internal conflict-resolution mechanisms.

He said established committees are in place to handle disputes, and elders would step in to mediate where necessary. He added that the forum hopes the exercise will be peaceful and credible.

The group declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and urged the party to adopt him as its sole presidential candidate and consensus flagbearer in the primaries.

“We hereby declare our total and unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole APC candidate for the 2027 presidential election, and therefore the consensus candidate in the forthcoming party primaries,” Ijabiyi said.

“Let it be known: we are not supporting him and promoting his sole candidacy simply because he is the leader of our great party, the APC.

“No. We are supporting him because he has earned our support through extraordinary performance in office. Leadership is proven by results, and President Tinubu has delivered.

“President Tinubu has distinguished himself as a leader who takes difficult but necessary decisions and maintains steady leadership in the overall interest of the people of Nigeria.

He does not shy away from tough choices when the future of our nation is at stake.”

Ijabiyi also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his support and contributions to the group. He said the minister’s backing has strengthened grassroots mobilisation in the state.

While dismissinh concerns that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, ljabiyi argued that the APC’s dominance reflects prevailing political realities rather than democratic erosion.

They called on APC leaders nationwide to rally behind Tinubu’s candidacy and ensure his emergence as the party’s consensus flagbearer.