AKURE – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, has called on the leadership of the party at both the state and national levels to uphold the values of loyalty, sacrifice, fairness, and unity in managing internal political affairs, warning that loyalty should never be mistaken for weakness.
In a statement titled “Loyalty Should Never Be Mistaken for Weakness,” Akinkuebi said the recent developments surrounding the Ondo East/West Federal Constituency should serve as an opportunity for sober reflection on how the party treats members who place collective interest above personal ambition.
According to him, the issue extends beyond a single primary election or individual aspiration and touches on the principles that sustain strong political institutions.
Akinkuebi disclosed that although he had a legitimate intention to aspire for the House of Representatives seat, he deliberately chose not to join the contest after extensive consultations and a strategic assessment of the broader political landscape.
He explained that the decision was taken in support of party unity and in deference to the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, stressing that it should not be interpreted as political weakness.
“I had every legitimate intention to aspire for the House of Representatives seat. However, after careful consultations and a strategic assessment of the bigger picture, I chose not to enter the contest. It was a conscious decision made in the interest of party unity and stability,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further noted that he was not alone in making such a sacrifice, adding that credible aspirants from both Ondo East and Ondo West also stepped aside in line with what he described as a collective understanding reached at the state level.
According to him, many stakeholders accepted the decision to support Hon. Abiola Makinde for a third consecutive term because they believed it was in the broader interest of the party and would strengthen the APC ahead of future political engagements.
He observed that the decision was made despite the widely held view that, based on equity and political progression, Ondo East’s aspiration to produce the next member representing the federal constituency had become increasingly legitimate.
Akinkuebi said many aspirants willingly subordinated their personal ambitions to what they considered the collective interest of the party.
“That was not weakness. It was discipline. It was loyalty. It was faith in our party and confidence in the leadership of our Governor,” he said.
He, however, expressed concern that many loyal party members were beginning to question whether such sacrifices had received the recognition and consideration they deserved.
While emphasising that his intervention was not intended as an attack on the party or its leadership, Akinkuebi appealed for reflection on the long-term implications of overlooking members who make sacrifices for party unity.
He argued that political parties become stronger when members are confident that loyalty, patience, and discipline are recognised and rewarded, warning that failure to appreciate such sacrifices could discourage future acts of selflessness.
According to him, “Sacrifice must never become a permanent political disadvantage.”
Commenting on the outcome of the primary election, Akinkuebi said the process reflected the democratic preference of party members and stakeholders, noting that the widespread goodwill enjoyed by Hon. Abiola Makinde deserved thoughtful consideration.
He also expressed concern over the continued political tension surrounding the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, popularly known as Landmark, urging party leaders to embrace dialogue, reconciliation, fairness, and mutual respect in resolving internal disagreements.
Akinkuebi maintained that strong political parties are built by expanding their political family rather than shrinking it through unnecessary divisions.
He therefore appealed to the leadership of the APC to approach current developments with fairness, equity, justice, and a commitment to long-term party unity instead of temporary political calculations.
“The party has grown because thousands of loyal members have consistently placed its success above their personal ambitions. Those members deserve to know that their loyalty is seen, their sacrifice is remembered, and their commitment remains valued,” he said.
He concluded by stating that loyalty remains one of the greatest strengths of any enduring political movement and should never be mistaken for weakness.
Dr. Femi Akinkuebi is an APC chieftain in Ondo State and convener of the Itesiwaju movement.
