Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Otito Atikase, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to shun anti-party activities and remain loyal to the party’s decisions, describing discipline and commitment as essential ingredients for sustainable political progress.
Atikase made the call while reflecting on the outcome of the recent APC senatorial primary election, noting that although his preferred aspirant, Rt. Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin of Odigbo, did not secure the party’s ticket, he accepted the emergence of Barr. D.I. Kekemeke as the party’s candidate and pledged his unwavering support.
According to him, despite the disappointment he felt after the primary, he chose to manage his emotions in the interest of party unity and progress.
“Everyone knew that my preferred candidate was Rt. Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin. However, Barr. Kekemeke eventually emerged as the party’s candidate through the party’s decision. Since then, I have accepted him as our candidate and will never oppose or protest against his candidacy. Instead, we will work tirelessly for his victory in the general election,” he said.
The NDDC commissioner described such acceptance of the party’s decision as the hallmark of a true party loyalist.
He also took a swipe at what he described as “political wanderers” within the party, accusing them of engaging in political profiteering and anti-party activities.
According to Atikase, such individuals have a history of moving from one political party to another without demonstrating commitment, consistency or stability, adding that they are driven by immediate personal interests rather than the collective good of the party.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals have not spent up to a year in the party before already peeping through the window of anti-party activities. When you see an individual repeating the same mistake every time, that means he lacks emotional intelligence,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over the distribution of elective positions between Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, Atikase dismissed suggestions that both the Senate and House of Representatives seats should not come from Ese-Odo.
He argued that although Ilaje has greater political strength than Ese-Odo, electoral outcomes are often determined by providence and prevailing political circumstances.
He expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would receive overwhelming support at the polls and provide quality representation in the National Assembly, while assuring party members that issues relating to equitable political representation could be addressed in future electoral cycles.
Atikase maintained that he would not expend energy persuading individuals determined to pursue anti-party activities, warning that such actions diminish political relevance and opportunities for patronage.
He stressed that loyalty, discipline and respect for the collective decisions of the party remain the foundation for enduring political growth and success.