The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum has lauded the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for restoring its members’ confidence in the just-concluded primaries of the party in Ondo State.

The Chairman of PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State, Demola Ijabiyi, said this on Wednesday during the July edition of the forum’s meeting in Akure.

The NWC of the APC on Saturday released the list of successful candidates of the party for the 2027 general elections.

Mr Ijabiyi said that the NWC had demonstrated courage, fairness, and fidelity to the constitution and guidelines of the party in the discharge of the important responsibility.

He extended gratitude to the party’s leaders and President Bola Tinubu, whose commitment to due process, internal democracy, and institutional integrity continued to inspire confidence within the party and the nation.

The forum’s chairman said that the NWC had reaffirmed that the APC remained a party governed by its constitution, established rules, and transparent processes, rather than by personal preferences or sectional interests.

According to him, the forum’s stance is that the integrity of the nomination process and the supremacy of the party must never be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition or political expediency.

“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 stated.

Mr Ijabiyi, however, asked all party members to accept the decision of the national leadership with dignity and without further agitation.

He said that no amount of public protest could convert defeat into victory where no legitimate mandate was won in the first place.

Mr Ijabiyi, therefore, called on all leaders, elected officials, aspirants, and stakeholders to close ranks, eschew divisive politics, and work together in the overall interest of the party and the people of the state.

He urged every APC member to embrace reconciliation, mutual respect, and collective responsibility, stating that ‘strength lies in our unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to democratic values.’ 

(NAN)