The crisis within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, over the substitution of National Assembly candidates has continued to generate mixed reactions among party members and stakeholders.
While protests have erupted in some parts of the state against the decision of the party’s National Working Committee, some of the candidates whose names were eventually submitted to INEC insist they emerged through due process stating that time is right to unite the party ahead of 2027 elections.
Since the release of the party’s final list of candidates, aggrieved members have continued to stage protests, particularly supporters of aspirants whose names were omitted from the list submitted to INEC.
Many of the protesters described the exercise as unfair, alleging that the wishes of party members were ignored.
In a fresh development, some of the candidates whose names were retained on the party’s final list are appealed to all aggrieved members to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and collective sacrifice in the overall interest of the party.
The candidates maintained that they emerged through legitimate party processes and urged members to put the internal dispute behind them and ensure victory for the party.
As consultations continue, political observers say the ability of the APC leadership to reconcile aggrieved members could determine the party’s unity, strength and electoral prospects in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
