Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and former Niger Delta agitator, has issued a strong warning against plans to grant automatic tickets to incumbent lawmakers for the 2027 general elections. Ajube threatened to sponsor opposition candidates under the Labour Party (LP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) if the APC goes ahead with the move.
The warning came during a meeting with APC leaders in Agadagba-Obon, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, where Ajube also distributed N50,000 each to 87 APC members across the local wards. Speaking at the event, he declared his opposition to the potential automatic re-nomination of Hon. Donald Ojogo, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo South Senatorial District.
Ajube described the imposition of candidates through automatic tickets as unacceptable and vowed to resist it, even if it meant supporting candidates from rival parties. “Let anyone interested come out and contest. I will not support the current representatives if they are given automatic tickets by Abuja,” he stated firmly.
He added that he was ready to back credible candidates from any party, including the LP or SDP, to ensure new leadership emerges in the state’s federal legislative seats. “I am prepared to invest my resources to ensure that fresh voices emerge,” Ajube said.
His comments highlight growing tensions within the APC regarding internal democracy and the fairness of ticket allocation ahead of the 2027 elections. The move to sponsor opposition candidates against sitting APC lawmakers underscores fears of imposition and exclusion within the party ranks.
Meanwhile, APC members who received Ajube’s financial support expressed gratitude for his commitment to grassroots empowerment. Party leaders also praised his dedication to the welfare of party members and his longstanding service.
Ajube’s stance signals a potential challenge to the party’s unity in Ondo State as the 2027 elections approach, emphasizing the need for transparent and inclusive candidate selection processes within the APC.
