- APC Aggrieved Aspirants Endorse Tinubu, Cite Improved Security, Economy
- The forum disclosed that its membership includes more than 250 former House of Assembly aspirants
- Agunloye noted that members of the forum had been aggrieved since the 2014, 2018/2019, and 2023 election cycles
Aggrieved aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, despite longstanding unresolved grievances within the party.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the APC Aggrieved Forum, led by Mr. Taiwo Agunloye, announced its decision during a meeting in Akure.
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Agunloye explained that although members of the forum had suffered neglect over several election cycles, they had resolved to endorse President Tinubu and pass a vote of confidence in his administration, especially on security matters.
He cited the recent rescue of abducted victims as evidence of Tinubu’s responsiveness, applauding the president for staying in the country throughout the crisis. According to him, the president’s conduct demonstrated seriousness and commitment to national security.
Agunloye noted that members of the forum had been aggrieved since the 2014, 2018/2019, and 2023 election cycles, but had remained loyal to the party. He said the group was now mobilising supporters across all wards and local governments to secure Tinubu’s return in 2027.
However, he lamented the long-standing neglect of former aspirants, many of whom invested heavily in the party but were neither recognised nor compensated. He also claimed that some members died from trauma related to their political experiences.
“Our grievance started from 2014, 2018, 2019, and also 2023. Many of us contested for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, chairmanship and councillorship positions. In 2018, we were asked to calm down with a promise that our concerns would be addressed. Up till now, no one has reached out to us,” he said.
Agunloye added that while newcomers were receiving appointments, long-standing loyalists continued to feel sidelined. He noted that the forum had lost three members, and another member had lost his wife, allegedly due to trauma linked to their political struggles.
He emphasised that the group’s support for Tinubu was driven by public interest rather than personal gain, pointing to improvements in security in Ondo State, declining food prices, and a more stable exchange rate as reasons for renewed confidence in the administration.
He also thanked the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for supporting the group and urged him to continue raising their concerns at the federal level.
The forum disclosed that its membership includes more than 250 former House of Assembly aspirants, 67 former House of Representatives aspirants, and 24 former Senate aspirants across different election years.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Tiamiyu Fatai Atere, member representing Akoko North-West Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, assured the group that their grievances would be conveyed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Atere, who described himself as a former aggrieved aspirant, said both he and the governor understand the frustrations of neglected party loyalists.
“I was once an aggrieved aspirant before winning in 2023. My leader, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was also an aggrieved aspirant before becoming deputy governor and now governor. I will relay your concerns to him, and I trust he will listen,” he said.
He urged members of the forum and residents of Ondo State to remain united, noting that Tinubu had shown goodwill to the state through key appointments, including two ministerial positions.
