Elders of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have rejected the proposed Rainbow Coalition, insisting that the party does not need an alliance with other political parties to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The coalition, reportedly initiated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is designed to bring politicians from different parties together to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition while allowing participating parties to retain their interests in legislative and local government elections.
However, Chairman of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State, Dr Demola Ijabiyi, described the arrangement as unnecessary, citing the APC’s political strength in the state.
Ijabiyi stated this at a meeting in Akure on Wednesday, where he maintained that the ruling party was capable of delivering more than one million votes for Tinubu without sacrificing its candidates or constituencies.
He said, “We recognise the value of cooperation among political parties pursuing a common objective. However, the circumstances of each state must determine the form such cooperation takes.
“In Ondo State, the APC is the dominant political party, controlling government at both the state and local government levels. We therefore see no justification for any coalition arrangement that requires us to sacrifice our candidates or surrender constituencies in exchange for support for President Tinubu.”
The APC elders’ chairman, however, welcomed support from opposition parties for the President’s re-election, stressing that such backing should not come at the expense of APC candidates.
He added that the party was confident of winning across the state and would work towards securing victory for all candidates on its platform.
Ijabiyi also called on APC candidates contesting National and State Assembly seats to intensify their grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged them to identify areas where the party needed stronger support and work with ward and local government leaders to improve its electoral chances.
The former lawmaker further called on women and youths in the party to commence sustained door-to-door campaigns to promote Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to him, their involvement would be crucial in reaching voters across homes, markets, workplaces and communities.
He urged party members to engage residents respectfully, address their concerns with facts and encourage eligible voters to participate in the electoral process.
