As political tension continue to rise in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State following speculation around alleged consensus candidates towards the upcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elder statesman and Chairman of the Governors Advisory Council in Ondo State, Chief Pius Akinyelure, has called for calm, urging party faithful and stakeholders to refrain from action capable of disrupting the peace of the ancient town.

In a strongly worded but conciliatory message made available to the press, Akinyelure dismissed claims of any officially endorsed consensus candidates in Idanre at this stage, describing such reports as premature and capable of heating up the polity in the local government and in Ondo State .

He noted that while internal democratic processes may generate disagreements, it is imperative for members to prioritize unity, discipline and respect for party structures rather than resort to hostility or misinformation.

“Our attention has been drawn to growing tension fuelled by unverified claims of consensus arrangements. Let it be clearly stated that there is no basis for such assertions at the moment. Party members should disregard any narrative intended to mislead or create unnecessary division,” he said.

The respected APC chieftain cautioned political actors and their supporters against heating up the polity, warning that desperation and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine the long-standing reputation of Idanre as a bastion of progressive politics in Ondo State.

He emphasized that peace and reconciliation remain the most potent tools for sustaining the strength and electoral viability of the APC, particularly at a time when unity is crucial for consolidating the gains of the party at both state and national levels.

Akinyelure further urged aggrieved members to channel their concerns through established party mechanisms, stressing that dialogue and consultation are the hallmark of a mature political system.

“Political contests should not degenerate into conflict. We must remember that we are members of one family, bound by a shared vision. Violence, intimidation, or the spread of falsehoods will only weaken our collective strength,” he warned.

He also appealed to party leaders, youths and grassroots mobilizers in Idanre to demonstrate restraint and responsibility, noting that the actions taken at this critical moment would determine the electoral fortune of the party in Idanre in the elections next year. He gave the assurance that available positions would be rationally distributed among qualified candidates.

Reaffirming Idanre’s historical role as a bastion of progressive ideology, Chief Akinyelure called on all stakeholders to close ranks and work towards reconciliation, adding that unity within the party would ultimately translate into electoral success next year.

Political observers in Idanre and Ondo State say this intervention by the apex leader is timely, coming amid heightened anxiety and speculation among party members. This latest intervention by the  elder statesman  is expected to help douse tension while reinforcing confidence in the party’s internal processes.

As Senator Ned Nwoko positions for a return to the National Assembly, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Emmanuel Eboh, has described any opposing ambition as self- serving, unnecessary  and detrimental to the peace and development of Delta North Senatorial District.

Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Chief Eboh, a former civil commissioner in Delta State, said Senator Nwoko continues to enjoy widespread goodwill and the support of the people of Delta North, popularly known as Anioma.

While acknowledging that political aspirations are legitimate in a democratic setting, Eboh cautioned against what he termed the “unacceptable drift towards turning politics into a family enterprise and a tool for power control and manipulation.”

He called on residents of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and the wider Delta North district to resist  “the inordinate ambition of some Shylock politicians driven by selfish motives and unrestrained personal interests.”

The APC stalwart warned that personality-driven ambitions, rather than people-oriented leadership, could
lead to  avoidable rivalry and division within Delta North.

Chief Eboh maintained that Senator Nwoko’s performance in office has been commendable and deserving of re-election, citing key interventions in rural road construction, electrification, education, potable water supply, and empowerment programmes.

He further highlighted the senator’s sustained advocacy for the recognition and identity of Anioma, noting that it was “unprecedented in the political history of the district”.

According to him, “Senator Nwoko has not only met expectations but surpassed them. He deserves re-election, particularly given the fact that the core constitutional responsibility of a senator is lawmaking for the good governance of the nation.”

Eboh said the people of Delta North regard Nwoko as a progressive leader who embodies unity and dignity across Anioma, stressing that he should not be distracted by unnecessary political contestation.

He reaffirmed that the senator’s commitment to the growth and development of Anioma remains unwavering and urged constituents to sustain their support for his return to the Senate.

The APC chieftain also called for continued backing of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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