Ondo APC Primaries: Ex-Speaker Urges Unity, Plans Meeting With Aggrieved Aspirants

As preparations intensified for the Ondo State National and State Assembly primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, has appealed to aspirants to conduct themselves with restraint and unity.

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She also disclosed plans to convene a meeting with aggrieved contenders in a bid to foster reconciliation and prevent divisions within the party.

Akindele, who presided over the seventh and eighth State Assemblies and is known for her advocacy for party cohesion in Ondo State, called on aspirants to work in harmony with the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, noting that the governor remained committed to the interests of all party members.

In a statement released on Monday in Akure, Akindele stressed that efforts were being made to ensure the primaries were peaceful and inclusive, rather than divisive.

Her remarks followed concerns raised over the adoption of consensus candidates across several local government areas in the state.

Addressing those dissatisfied with the arrangements, she said: “We are all here by merit, driven by vision, strengthened by conviction, and united by a common platform that made our ambitions possible.

“But let us be clear: while ambition is personal, victory is collective.

“We must keep our eyes on the real prize; our contests should sharpen us, not scatter us.”

She further warned against actions that could undermine the party’s stability, stating: “The very platform that carries our aspirations, the Party we proudly belong to, and our big Apple, Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu), must not become collateral damage in the pursuit of individual goals.”

According to her, internal discord could jeopardize electoral success, adding that a divided structure cannot secure victory.

She reminded aggrieved members of the importance of the party’s leadership, saying: “our political relevance today is anchored in a larger force and leadership that inspired us to even step forward,” adding, “Our strength flows from that centre, and it must remain intact.”

Akindele continued: “A wise man it was who said, division weakens even the strongest, while unity turns the weakest into an unstoppable force.

“The truth is simple: if the foundation shakes, no structure stands.”

She emphasised that the party’s primary objective remains the continuity of leadership under President Bola Tinubu, noting that “in that shared victory lies the true pathway for our individual aspirations.”

While acknowledging the fairness of the processes adopted, she urged aspirants to act with foresight: “Yes, the Party has offered a level-playing field through either consensus or direct primaries; commendable and fair.

“But beyond process lies wisdom.

“We must each ask: are we acting strategically, or merely reacting emotionally?

“Ego has its place, but not at the expense of opportunity.”

She added: “I must be frank, while our ambition is negotiable, the re-election of the President is non-negotiable.”

To address lingering grievances, Akindele proposed a dialogue involving all concerned aspirants to resolve disputes and reinforce confidence in the party’s future.

“So here is a practical step forward: let us meet; let us talk, frankly, intelligently, and purposefully; let us align where it matters most.

“I am ready to host this engagement at my own cost and convenience, so we can shape a path that preserves our strength, sharpens our strategy, and secures our collective future.

“History rarely remembers those who merely contested; it remembers those who understood the moment,” she said.