2027: Ondo APC candidate seeks unity after court victory

The All Progressives Congress candidate for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Ghani Arobo, has urged aggrieved party members to unite behind him ahead of the 2027 general elections following a court ruling affirming his candidacy.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently upheld a Federal High Court ruling declaring Arobo the authentic APC candidate for the constituency and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise him as the party’s candidate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Director of Publicity and Public Engagement, Ojo Eniafe, Arobo said the court decision should provide an opportunity for reconciliation rather than deepen divisions within the party.

He described the outcome as a call for reflection and collective progress, stressing that political competition should not prevent party members from working together.‎

Arobo said, “This victory calls not merely for celebration, but for reflection, statesmanship, reconciliation, and a renewed determination to build a stronger, more united Owo-Ose Federal Constituency. The true measure of victory lies not in the defeat of others, but in our collective ability to transform democratic outcomes into meaningful progress for the people we are privileged to serve.

‎”For us, we recognise there is no victory, no vanquish. Every aspirant who participated in this journey brought ambition, conviction, sacrifice, and a genuine desire to contribute to the future of our constituency. We acknowledge and deeply respect the aspirations of all contenders, including their right to explore every lawful avenue of appeal.

“Such rights are fundamental to our democracy and deserve to be respected with dignity, restraint, and mutual understanding.

‎”Our hands remain extended in fellowship, and our hearts remain open to genuine reconciliation. We harbour no animosity, seek no vendetta, and celebrate no division. Political competition must never become a permanent barrier to friendship, collective progress, or the common destiny that binds the people of Owo-Ose together.”

The APC candidate also called on party leaders and members, including the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Timehin Adelegbe, to support the party ahead of the elections.

He urged aspirants, youths, women, elders and other stakeholders to work together towards improving representation and addressing the needs of constituents.

According to him, priorities should include economic opportunities, rural development, improved infrastructure, youth empowerment and agricultural advancement.

‎”The task ahead is greater than any individual ambition. It demands courage in leadership, wisdom in decision-making, unity in purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of our constituents.

“We must channel our energies towards effective representation, economic opportunities, rural development, improved infrastructure, youth empowerment, agricultural advancement, and a future in which every community feels seen, heard, and served,” he added.