Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have rejected the proposed Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party can secure victory without sacrificing its candidates for political alliances.
The elders, operating under the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, said they would welcome cooperation from other political parties to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid but would not accept any arrangement that requires APC candidates to step aside for politicians from other parties.
Speaking during a press briefing in Akure, the forum’s chairman, Demola Ijabiyi, argued that the APC remained strong enough in Ondo State to win elections without entering into a coalition that could undermine its candidates.
According to him, the party controls the state government and local government structures, making it unnecessary to surrender constituencies in exchange for support for Tinubu.
Ijabiyi stressed that supporting the President’s re-election should not come at the expense of candidates contesting for National and State Assembly seats on the APC platform.
He maintained that the party was prepared to work with individuals and political groups who shared its vision, provided such cooperation did not weaken the electoral prospects of its candidates.
Elders Target One Million Votes for Tinubu
As part of efforts to strengthen the party’s electoral machinery, Ijabiyi announced the establishment of the Progressive Mandate Forum (PMF), a mobilisation structure designed to extend the party’s reach across all 18 local government areas, wards and polling units in the state.
The group aims to mobilise voters and deliver more than one million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, while also working towards victory for APC candidates contesting legislative positions.
The forum said it would prioritise voter education, door-to-door campaigns and grassroots engagement, with women and young people expected to play important roles in the mobilisation drive.
Ijabiyi also urged APC candidates to actively participate in campaigns and work closely with party leaders and grassroots supporters to strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
APC Members Warned Against Anti-Party Activities
The elders also warned party members against supporting candidates from other political parties in elections where the APC has its own candidates.
Ijabiyi described such conduct as an anti-party activity, particularly when it arises from dissatisfaction over the outcome of party primaries.
He cautioned that members who lost nominations should not use alternative political platforms to undermine candidates officially selected by the party.
The forum insisted that discipline and unity would be essential to achieving its electoral objectives in 2027.
The elders further called on party leaders, supporters and candidates to prepare for a peaceful and impressive turnout at Tinubu’s scheduled presidential campaign rally in Ondo State on November 11, 2026.
They said the event should demonstrate the state’s commitment to the President’s re-election and the success of APC candidates across the ballot.
The development adds to the growing debate within the ruling party over the Rainbow Coalition promoted by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, particularly its proposal to support Tinubu for president while allowing politicians on other platforms to contest legislative and governorship elections.
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