By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State has backed the revised National Assembly candidates’ list released by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move demonstrates that the party is governed by its constitution rather than personal interests.

Chairman of the forum, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, told journalists in Akure that the NWC’s review of the disputed primaries reflected courage, fairness, and fidelity to the party’s constitution and guidelines.

According to Ijabiyi, the decision reaffirmed that the APC “remains a party governed by its constitution, established rules, and transparent processes, rather than by personal preferences or sectional interests.”

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his unwavering commitment to due process, internal democracy, and institutional integrity, saying the President’s leadership continues to inspire confidence within the party and the country.

Ijabiyi recalled that the forum had consistently warned against the imposition of candidates in Ondo State, insisting that the wishes of party members and the integrity of the nomination process should not be compromised.

“Our intervention was never intended to create division or unnecessary controversy. Rather, it was a sincere effort to safeguard the unity, credibility, and electoral fortunes of our great party,” he said.

He alleged that a list of preferred candidates originated from the office of the Ondo State governor and that government officials were mobilised to ensure their emergence.

According to him, the alleged list excluded two serving senators and all but one of the state’s nine members of the House of Representatives.

Ijabiyi further alleged that the primaries produced “unmerited, even bizarre, election figures” that raised concerns among party members.

He cited the case of Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, who, according to him, secured over 400 votes in his ward but was credited with only 147 votes across the constituency’s 23 wards.

“Such results naturally generated widespread concern and called for careful review,” he said.

The forum maintained that the NWC’s intervention had restored confidence in the nomination process and prevented the party from losing National Assembly seats due to protest votes and internal disaffection.

“Before this intervention, there was genuine apprehension that the party risked losing some National Assembly seats. Many loyal members had become discouraged,” Ijabiyi said.

He urged aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome to accept the NWC’s decision in the interest of party unity.

“No amount of public protest can convert defeat into victory where no legitimate mandate was won in the first place. The decisions of the party’s leadership are binding on all members,” he stated.

Ijabiyi congratulated candidates whose nominations were upheld and urged them to remain loyal, accessible, and committed to effective representation.

He also called on party leaders and stakeholders to close ranks, shun divisive politics, and work together to strengthen the APC in Ondo State.

“The task before us now is far greater than individual ambition. Our collective responsibility is to strengthen the APC, consolidate the Renewed Hope Agenda, and ensure overwhelming victories for President Tinubu and all APC candidates,” he added.