APC candidates ‘ll emerge through consensus- Aiyedatiwa

As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared candidates of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state would emerge through ‘consensus.’

Aiyedatiwa, at the APC stakeholders’ meeting at The International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, on Sunday, stated that he has not endorsed or promised any aspirants the ‘elective ticket’ of the party. 

He noted that it had become necessary to clearly state his position in view of widespread insinuations in the political space ahead of primaries for elective positions. 

Aiyedatiwa warned party memebers, especially those vying for the House of Assembly and National Assembly tickets against rumours, assumptions and political falsehoods capable of creating division within the governing APC in the state. 

“Let me quickly correct this because we know in the political climate there are many falsehoods, lies, insinuations, and assumptions that fly around and try to create cracks and divisions. I want to emphasise that I have not promised anyone a ticket.

“I have not promised anyone that I am giving you a ticket of State Assembly or National Assembly. I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket,” the Governor declared. 

Aiyedatiwa further added that the leaders of the party will participate in the process of picking candidates for elective positions in the state, reaffirming that the governing party will explore the “consensus arrangement.”

He, however, urged party members to remain firm and disciplined, stressing that it is now in their hands to protect what the party has built and warning against actions capable of emboldening factions within the party. 

The Governor emphasised unity, noting that most national assembly members from the state were present at the meeting, while those absent had sent apologies due to national assignments.

He said APC remained the only viable party in the state and urged members to work together to build Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa also placed strong emphasis on the APC e-registration exercise, describing it as critical to the party’s future. 

He explained that the meeting was convened ahead of the January 31 deadline to mobilise leaders across wards and local governments.

He infirmed, as of the day of the meeting, Ondo State had recorded 128,770 registered members, ranking third in the South-West zone, adding that there was still room for improvement.

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According to him, challenges associated with National Identification Number (NIN) registration were being addressed in collaboration with relevant agencies while logistics and decentralisation efforts were being strengthened to boost participation.