Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have rejected the proposed Rainbow Coalition with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the ruling party is strong enough to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in the state.

The coalition, reportedly initiated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is designed to bring opposition parties together to support Tinubu’s re-election while allowing participating parties to contest local government and legislative positions.

However, Chairman of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mandate Elders Forum, Dr Demola Ijabiyi, described the arrangement as unnecessary in Ondo State, arguing that the APC controls both the state and local governments and should not sacrifice its candidates or constituencies for political support.

Speaking at a meeting in Akure, Ijabiyi said the party welcomed other political groups willing to support Tinubu’s re-election but maintained that such support should not come at the expense of APC candidates.

He expressed confidence that the party could deliver more than one million votes for the President, urging National and State Assembly candidates, women and youths to intensify grassroots mobilisation, including door-to-door campaigns, ahead of the elections.