Ondo APC support groups reject state directive, back Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

An alliance of support groups loyal to President Bola Tinubu in Ondo State has rejected a directive issued by the state executive of the All Progressives Congress, warning that it could create administrative bottlenecks and weaken grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a joint statement signed by the coalition’s convener, Demola Ijabiyi, the groups reaffirmed their commitment to party unity and to securing what they described as a landslide victory for President Tinubu and all APC candidates in 2027.

The coalition said it acknowledged the directive by the party’s Publicity Secretary in Ondo State asking support groups to register with the state chapter for profiling and coordination, but insisted that all groups in the alliance were already duly recognised by the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and compliant with the APC constitution.

According to the statement, the strength of the support groups lies in their widespread grassroots reach across communities, wards and markets in the state, adding that no single register could capture the influence of all autonomous groups working for the party’s success.

The coalition argued that elections are won through partnership rather than paperwork, urging the state chapter to focus on joint planning, consultation and logistical support instead of measures that could discourage mobilisation efforts.

It also cautioned that any directive capable of causing humiliation or suspicion among support groups should not have been introduced, especially at a time when unity and collaboration are needed.

The groups maintained that the freedom to organise in support of the party is protected under the APC constitution and pledged to continue working lawfully and actively for the success of the party and the Renewed Hope agenda.

Calling for total mobilisation ahead of 2027, the coalition urged party leaders at all levels to widen political space and convert every structure of the party into a campaign engine.

They insisted that the focus of the current political cycle should remain the re-election of President Tinubu, stressing that bureaucracy must not be allowed to hinder the party’s chances in Ondo State.