— Extends olive branch to rivals, says no grudges
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, has called for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) after emerging as the party’s candidate for the Ondo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Akure, Adegbonmire dedicated his emergence to the people of Ondo Central, the leadership of the APC and the party’s quest for victory in the 2027 polls.
“I dedicate this victory to the people of Ondo Central, to the leadership of our party, and to the cause of a united APC marching confidently toward 2027,” he said.
The senator said his confidence that due process would ultimately prevail had been vindicated following the National Working Committee’s (NWC) review of the appeal committee’s reports under the leadership of the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
“I do not approach this moment with triumphalism. I approach it with the same sense of duty that has guided my years at the Bar and in public service,” Adegbonmire said.
“Every matter, no matter how contested, deserves a fair hearing, and fairness, once established, must be respected by all parties.”
Addressing constituents in Ondo Central, he described the outcome as a victory for the people.
“This outcome is yours before it is mine. You stood firm through a season of uncertainty, and your patience has been rewarded with clarity,” he stated.
Adegbonmire thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his steady leadership of the APC and for ensuring that disputes within the party were resolved through established democratic mechanisms.
He also commended the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, and members of the National Working Committee for what he described as a thorough and fair review process.
The senator further praised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his “quiet diplomacy and commitment to peace” within the Ondo State chapter of the APC.
He also expressed appreciation to the party’s former state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, and other stakeholders for their support throughout the process.
Extending an olive branch to his co-contestants, Adegbonmire said he harboured no resentment against anyone who participated in the contest.
“A primary contest is a test of ideas and capacity, not a declaration of enmity. I hold no grudge against any person who stood on the other side,” he said.
He urged his supporters to avoid bitterness and work towards strengthening the party ahead of the general election.
“We are one party with one mission, and I intend to prove, in the weeks ahead, that this victory is wide enough to shelter everyone who shares our vision for Ondo Central,” he said.
Adegbonmire added that the task ahead was greater than the primary contest, pledging to provide effective representation if elected.
“Ondo Central deserves a senator who will translate legal clarity into legislative impact, who understands both the letter of the law and the lived realities of our people.
“That is the standard I set for myself, and that is the standard by which I invite you to hold me accountable,” he said.
