Ondo Calls for Peace and Unity Before APC Primaries

Fidelis David in Akure

The Ondo State Government has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly during the party’s upcoming primaries, calling on aspirants and supporters to prioritize unity over personal ambition as the state prepares for a critical internal democratic exercise.

The primaries are scheduled for May 15, 18 and 20, 2026, and will select candidates for the House of Representatives, the Ondo State House of Assembly and the Senate.

In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government described the exercise as a vital democratic process for the ruling party and stressed the need for all stakeholders to ensure that the primaries remain peaceful, transparent and free from violence before, during and after the polls.

The statement said the state government is committed to maintaining order throughout the exercise in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, noting that Ondo must continue to serve as a model of political maturity and democratic excellence.

“The forthcoming primaries represent another important democratic process for our great party, and all aspirants, leaders and supporters must ensure the exercise remains hitch‑free, transparent and free from rancour,” the statement read.

It added that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains dedicated to preserving peace and stability across the state during the exercise.

“The governor is resolute in maintaining orderliness throughout the primaries. Ondo State must continue to set the standard for democratic conduct through the maturity and discipline of party members,” Ajanaku said.

The government also reaffirmed its alignment with the National Working Committee of the APC, which calls for direct primaries when no consensus candidate emerges, and emphasized that the Ondo chapter remains committed to the national leadership’s guidelines and internal democratic principles.

According to the statement, adhering to the party’s constitutional processes would strengthen internal democracy and increase confidence in the credibility of the exercise.

The government described the primaries as a significant step in consolidating the party’s preparations for future electoral victories, particularly ahead of President Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election campaign.

It noted that unity, discipline and peaceful coexistence among party members would reinforce the APC as a formidable political family working toward a shared objective.

“The success of these primaries will further position the party for greater electoral success. Unity and peaceful coexistence remain the pillars upon which our collective aspirations can be achieved,” the statement stressed.

The state government therefore appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize the collective interest of the party and the state above individual political ambitions.

It also urged security agencies, electoral officials and party faithful to cooperate fully to ensure a credible and successful exercise across the state.