Group: we don’t want external interference in Ondo South
A group, ‘PBAT Crusaders,’ has vowed to resist external interference in the choice of candidates for next year’s elections. The group warned against imposition, saying that it could spell doom
A group, ‘PBAT Crusaders,’ has vowed to resist external interference in the choice of candidates for next year’s elections.
The group warned against imposition, saying that it could spell doom for the party at the polls.
Its chairman, Dr. Olawale Adeleye, expressed deep concern over the allegation that someone was trying to influence the outcome of the primaries.
The group’s position comes against the backdrop of a recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandating his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, to provide supervision for senatorial and House of Representatives primaries.
The supervisory arrangement followed high-level engagements with senators and members of the House of Representatives who insisted on strict adherence to internal party democracy.
READ ALSO: Davido suspends music career to lead Adeleke’s re-election campaign in Osun
Under the framework, Gbajabiamila and Masari are expected to interface with APC state governors, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), as well as the leadership of the National Assembly, to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible primaries nationwide.
The supervisory team is also charged with monitoring compliance with due process, managing political tensions, and providing regular feedback to the President. Many stakeholders have expressed confidence in the supervisory arrangement.
However, the arrangement expressly does not replace the statutory role of the APC National Secretariat, which remains responsible for organising and conducting the primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act (as amended) and party guidelines.
While acknowledging the intent behind the presidential directive, PBAT Crusaders said the conduct of the exercise should not contradict the spirit of transparency and fairness that the supervision framework is designed to uphold.
According to the group, some aspirants who are closely aligned with certain powerful forces have allegedly been assured that a list of “anointed candidates” will be handed over to party officials at the national level.
However, the allegations have not been proved. The group warned that such developments, if true, would reduce the primaries to a mere formality and undermine the democratic foundation of the party.
The statement cited a specific instance involving a Lagos-based female aspirant who allegedly disclosed to party leaders, when questioned about her late entry into the race, that a presidential aide had directed her to purchase the House of Representatives nomination form after informing her that her name had already been pencilled down as the APC candidate for the Odigbo, Ileoluji/Okeigbo Constituency.
According to the claim, she was further assured that the primary would merely be a procedural exercise.
PBAT Crusaders alleged that the aspirant lacks grassroots connection, adding that she has no known family base in Ondo State, and that she likely does not even know her family quarters in the constituency.
The group described this as clear evidence of external imposition, warning that it undermines local representation and disregards the will and structure of the party at the grassroots.
However, party sources said there is no alien in the race, adding that all aspirants are from reputable families with a history of contributions to the development of the area, the state and the country.
The group cited further instances involving serving members of the House of Representatives representing the Okitipupa/Irele and Ose/Owo Constituencies, noting that supporters of the lawmakers have in recent days been openly jubilating over assurances allegedly received through an Abuja-based APC leader, suggesting that their return tickets have been secured.
It further alleged that similar assurances of automatic tickets have been extended to other serving APC National Assembly members, many of whom.
The group also expressed support for the consensus facilitated by the State Working Committee under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
It noted that the process, which involved wide consultations across the 18 Local Government Areas, reflects party unity, discipline, and a strategic approach to producing credible candidates for both State and National Assembly positions.
However, the group acknowledged that not all aspirants may be satisfied with the outcome of the consensus.
It therefore emphasised that any aspirant who feels aggrieved may either channel their grievances through established party mechanisms or withhold consent to the consensus arrangement, which, in line with the Electoral Act, would trigger the conduct of direct primaries.
PBAT Crusaders reiterated that the law provides clear guidance on consensus candidacy, noting that due process must be strictly followed, including the requirement for the written consent of all cleared aspirants.
The group stressed that where such consent is not obtained, the party is obligated to proceed with direct primaries transparently and credibly.
Dr. Adeleye stressed that while consensus remains a legitimate and often beneficial mechanism for strengthening party unity, it must be respected and upheld by all stakeholders in the collective interest of the party.
He warned that actions capable of undermining the process or creating unnecessary divisions could weaken the APC’s electoral prospects in Ondo State.
The group urged the leadership of the APC and President Tinubu to ensure that the supervisory mandate is exercised strictly within the bounds of neutrality, transparency, and respect for due process, and not used as a vehicle for political imposition.
Reaffirming loyalty to the party and support for the President, PBAT Crusaders vowed to mobilise massively in Ondo State during the general election.
Adeleye said: “Our target is to deliver overwhelming support for the President. We do not want to return fewer than one million votes,” the statement read.
“However, this can only be achieved in an atmosphere of fairness, transparency, and respect for the will of party members.”
He added: “As political activities intensify ahead of the APC primaries, stakeholders across Ondo State continue to monitor developments closely, with growing calls for strict adherence to internal democracy, due process, and credible electoral practices within the party.”
