APC's Flag Presentation Misses at Ondo Rally, Raising Concerns

The All Progressives Congress (APC) did not present its National and State Assembly candidates at a rally for President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State. This has raised worries about growing divisions in the party in the state.

People are speculating about the unity of the Ondo APC, especially with ongoing disagreements from the party's primaries and the rise of the Rainbow Coalition.

Unlike other states like Rivers, Ebonyi, Cross River, and Ekiti, where candidates were publicly introduced, Ondo's rally lacked this important moment. The flag presentation is seen as a key endorsement and introduction of candidates.

Even though the rally had a large turnout, with candidates and their supporters present, none of the 12 National Assembly candidates or 26 State House of Assembly candidates received their party flags.

The rally was lively, with campaign banners, branded outfits, drums, and excited supporters. Yet, there were tense moments when some supporters reacted negatively towards the musician performing at the event, feeling he ignored their candidates while recognizing top party leaders.

Ademokun Folorunsho, a party leader in Odigbo Local Government Area, shared his worries about the lack of presentation. He noted that candidates were present with their supporters but did not get the recognition given to those in other states.

He pointed out that D.I. Kekemeke was invited to lead the Christian opening prayer but was not introduced as the APC candidate for Ondo South Senatorial District. "Another detail worth mentioning was the invitation of Hon. D.I. Kekemeke to offer the Christian opening prayer. However, he was not introduced as the APC candidate for the Ondo South Senatorial District," he said.

Folorunsho said this situation raises doubts about the APC's political direction in Ondo State, especially concerning the National Assembly elections. He recalled that some candidates were absent from the inauguration of the Ondo State Presidential Campaign Council, which already caused concerns about party unity.

He warned against jumping to conclusions from the rally but suggested that the lack of candidate presentation might mean that the National Assembly races are still up for grabs. "While it may be premature to draw a definitive conclusion from the ceremony alone, one possible interpretation is that the National Assembly contests in Ondo State remain open, with no public endorsement or presentation of any candidate as the party’s preferred candidate at the rally. And this presents hope for the Rainbow Coalition in Ondo State," he stated.

Folorunsho added, "For now, the absence of flag presentation has left room for speculation. The rally has not communicated a clear political direction. It has been established that the NASS contest is open to everyone."

Concerns about the party's internal divisions were also clear in the speeches of APC leaders at the rally. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged party leaders in Ondo State to put aside their differences from the primaries and work together to gather votes for President Tinubu's re-election.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who is also the Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, echoed these worries. He cautioned that the party might struggle to deliver its promised one million votes for the president if members do not unite.

Olusola Oke, a former governorship aspirant and APC chieftain, expressed hope that party members would overcome their issues and support President Tinubu. The rally speeches showed a desire among leaders to come together for the president's victory, even though doubts linger about whether this unity will extend to the National and State Assembly races.

Idowu Ajanaku, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, responded to the concerns. He said that the order of activities at the rally was up to the Presidential Campaign Council, not the state APC. He also mentioned he did not know if candidates were presented at the event, stressing that the rally was mainly for Tinubu’s campaign.

"I can assure you that the APC leaders in the state will be united in the canvassing of votes for the President," he stated. Ajanaku acknowledged that the Rainbow Coalition could impact the party's performance in some State Assembly areas, admitting that other parties might win some seats.

Steve Otaloro, the APC Director of Publicity in Ondo State, dismissed claims that the omission was aimed at any candidate or group. He explained that the rally was focused on launching President Tinubu’s campaign, and there was no time to present other candidates due to the busy schedule of national party leaders.

"We had no time for the presentation of candidates because the national leaders were to leave for Abuja that same day," Otaloro said. He promised that candidates would be introduced at the zonal campaign flag-off, where Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would work to present them to the voters.

As the presidential campaign begins, the Ondo APC faces challenges beyond just rallying voters for Tinubu. The party needs to tackle ongoing issues among its members and find a clear political direction ahead of the National and State Assembly elections. It remains to be seen if the promised unity will translate into support for all APC candidates or only for the presidential race.