— Wants Tinubu to ensure neutrality or risk party collapse

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The PBAT Crusaders, a political advocacy group in Ondo State, has rejected what it calls “unholy interference” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primary elections, warning that imposing candidates could cost the party dearly in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, the group’s Chairman, Dr. Olawale Adeleye, said it was concerned over reports within Ondo political circles alleging that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, is influencing the outcome of the primaries.

The group’s position follows a recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandating Gbajabiamila and his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, to provide presidential supervision over APC primaries for Senate and House of Representatives seats ahead of 2027.

According to the Presidency, the arrangement came after engagements with lawmakers who demanded strict adherence to internal party democracy.

Under the framework, Gbajabiamila and Masari are to interface with APC governors, the National Working Committee, and National Assembly leadership to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible primaries nationwide.

The team is also tasked with monitoring due process, managing political tensions, and reporting back to the President.

The directive, however, does not override the statutory role of the APC National Secretariat, which remains responsible for organizing and conducting the primaries in line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

While acknowledging the intent behind the directive, PBAT Crusaders said developments in Ondo State appear to contradict the spirit of transparency and fairness the framework is meant to uphold.

The group alleged that some aspirants close to the Chief of Staff have been assured that a list of “anointed candidates” would be handed to party officials at the national level ahead of the primaries.

“If true, this would reduce the primaries to a mere formality and undermine the democratic foundation of the party,” it stated.

It cited the case of a Lagos-based female aspirant who, when questioned about her late entry into the race, allegedly told party leaders that Gbajabiamila had directed her to buy the House of Representatives nomination form after informing her that her name had already been pencilled down as the APC candidate for the Odigbo/Ileoluji-Okeigbo Federal Constituency. She was reportedly assured the primary would be procedural.

PBAT Crusaders condemned the aspirant’s lack of grassroots connection, saying she has no known family base in Ondo State and likely does not know her family quarters in the constituency.

“This is clear evidence of external imposition, which undermines local representation and disregards the will of the party at the grassroots,” the group said.

The group also pointed to serving House members representing Okitipupa/Irele and Ose/Owo Federal Constituencies, claiming their supporters have been openly jubilating over assurances allegedly received from Gbajabiamila through an Abuja-based APC leader that their return tickets have been secured.

It further alleged that similar automatic ticket assurances have been extended to other serving APC National Assembly members who, it said, have lost touch with their constituencies.

PBAT Crusaders expressed support for the consensus arrangement facilitated by the Ondo APC State Working Committee under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, noting that wide consultations across the 18 LGAs reflect party unity and discipline.

However, it stressed that any dissatisfied aspirant can either channel grievances through established party mechanisms or withhold consent to the consensus, which, under the Electoral Act, would trigger direct primaries.

The group emphasized that consensus candidacy requires the written consent of all cleared aspirants, and where this is not obtained, the party must conduct transparent direct primaries.

“Consensus is legitimate and often beneficial for party unity, but it must be respected by all stakeholders,” Adeleye said.

He warned that actions undermining the process or creating divisions could weaken the APC’s electoral prospects in Ondo State.

The group urged APC leadership and President Tinubu to ensure Gbajabiamila and Masari exercise their supervisory mandate with neutrality, transparency, and respect for due process, and not as a tool for political imposition.

Reaffirming loyalty to the party and the President, PBAT Crusaders said its goal is to mobilize massive votes for Tinubu in Ondo State in 2027.

“Our target is to deliver over one million votes,” the statement read. “But this can only happen in an atmosphere of fairness, transparency, and respect for the will of party members.”

As political activities intensify ahead of the APC primaries, stakeholders in Ondo State are closely watching developments, with growing calls for strict adherence to internal democracy and credible electoral practices within the party.