Ondo APC Crisis: PBAT Mandate Elders Forum ask Tinubu, Yilwatda to intervene

2026-02-18 - 15:16

— Condemns attack on party Chairman, Adetimehin, reject politics of thuggery. ... Says only Tunji-Ojo’s loyalists were attacked Aiyedatiwa’s supporters spared By Dayo Johnson Akure The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State, has described the violent assault on the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ade Adetimehin as a direct attack on democratic values, party discipline and constituted authority. Addressing newsmen, the Chairman of the group, Erastus Akeju, condemned the violent assault on the state Chairman of the party . Akeju, expressed concern over what he called a “disturbing and disgraceful episode” that unfolded at the APC secretariat in the state. Speaking on behalf of Akeju, the convener of the group, Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi, said the hoodlums allegedly posing as political actors, stormed the party secretariat and subjected Adetimehin and other respected party leaders to violence and public humiliation. He said that the development represents a dangerous descent into lawlessness and a betrayal of the progressive ideals upon which the APC was founded. According to him ” The violent assault and public humiliation of our State Chairman and other elders within the precincts of our party secretariat is utterly reprehensible. “When leaders are beaten and elders disgraced in such a manner, it threatens the very foundation of political order and democratic culture. ” The APC was built on ideas, dialogue and internal democracy, not intimidation or brigandage, warning that normalising violence within party structures would erode public confidence and weaken the party’s moral standing. Ijabiyi said the attack was not merely a personal affront to Adetimehin but an assault on the integrity and institutional credibility of the APC as a ruling party. He cautioned that silence or indifference in the face of such brutality would embolden impunity and encourage further acts of chaos. The chairman however, called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of the party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene decisively to restore order and reaffirm that violence would not be tolerated within party ranks. He declared that “The President’s lifelong commitment to democracy, justice and institutional order must now find expression in restoring sanity and ensuring accountability. Violence must never be rewarded in our party,” Ijabiyi also urged the National Chairman of the APC and members of the National Working Committee to urgently investigate the incident, identify those responsible and apply appropriate sanctions. He said that the need for clear directives that would reinforce discipline and strengthen internal security across party structures nationwide. “As we approach the 2027 general elections, the APC must present itself as a party governed by law, unity and civility. “Electoral victory is not secured by fists or fear. It is earned through service, credibility and the confidence of the people.” He warned that Ondo state must not become a theatre of political intimidation, noting that party members deserve safety, respect and a level playing field for participation. Ijabiyi appealed to members and supporters of the party to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions, insisting that justice would be best achieved through lawful and institutional processes. While describing the moment as critical for the party’s future, ljabiyi said that the manner in which party leaders respond would shape the character and direction of the APC in the years ahead. He appealed to party members to “choose order over anarchy, dialogue over violence and unity over division. Ondo State must not become a theatre of political intimidation. Our members deserve safety, respect, and a level playing field for participation. “To our members and supporters, I appeal for calm and restraint. Let us reject provocation and reaffirm our commitment to peaceful engagement. Justice will be best served through lawful processes, not retaliation. Ijabiyi declared that “This is a defining moment. The response of our leaders today will determine the character of our party tomorrow. We must choose order over anarchy, dialogue over violence, and unity over division” The convener, who witnessed the attack at the party’s secretariat, expressed concern that the hoodlums attacked party members loyal to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while those in the camp of Aiyedatiwa were spared. According to him “I was in the hall when they (hoodlums) were throwing chairs and saying that those loyal to BTO (Minister of Interior) should leave and those who support Governor Aiyedatiwa should stay. “He said that “I had to quickly bend down to assist a man who was already injured, and I also tried to limp in order for them (hoodlums) not to attack me.”