Elders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the aegis of the Aborigines Group, have declared their unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promising to mobilise an additional 400,000 votes across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure, the state capital, the convener of the group and former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Ambassador Sola Iji, reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to both the APC and President Tinubu.

According to him, the meeting was convened to strengthen unity among members and to reawaken their collective resolve to work toward the success of President Tinubu and the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Our commitment and loyalty to the party and the government cannot be compromised,” Iji stated. “We must not allow the Aborigines to be seen as part of those creating disaffection within the APC. Rather, this gathering is to remind us of our sacred duty to rededicate ourselves to the cause of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensure his re-election.”

Describing Ondo State as “the progressive capital of Nigerian politics,” Iji noted that the state delivered one of the highest voting percentages for the APC in the last general elections — 67 percent — and vowed that the group would surpass that record in 2027.

He clarified that the Aborigines Group was not established to rival the existing party structure but to complement it through extensive grassroots mobilisation.

“Our focus is on direct engagement with the people, not social media campaigns. We have five canvassers per polling unit who will energise the electorate and deliver results that reflect Ondo’s reputation as a stronghold of progressive politics,” he explained.

Iji commended the state governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing an enabling environment for party groups to operate freely, and lauded the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his consistent encouragement and support toward the group’s mission.

“We appreciate the governor for allowing independent groups like ours to thrive and thank the Honourable Minister for his steadfast support toward the realisation of this vision,” he added.