Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said aspirants seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 general elections will be assessed on merit, loyalty and electoral strength.
He cautioned party members against desperation, stressing that the contest must not be approached as a do-or-die affair.
The governor spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC Central Senatorial District held in Akure, where party leaders converged to strategise ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Aiyedatiwa, who underscored the need for unity and discipline within the party, explained that the process would begin with the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms, followed by screening and possible appeals, before adopting either direct primaries or consensus, depending on party decisions.
He disclosed that consultations were ongoing with aspirants to encourage consensus and reduce internal friction, noting that only one flagbearer would emerge per position.
The governor also set an ambitious target of delivering one million votes in Ondo State for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, urging members to rally support based on what he described as tangible governance outcomes.
Warning against post-primary defections, Aiyedatiwa advised unsuccessful aspirants to remain committed to the party, recalling his own experience of losing a senatorial bid but staying loyal until opportunities emerged.
“It is not a life-or-death contest. Party interest must come first,” he said, urging aspirants to manage their ambitions responsibly.
He further revealed that the party had expanded its stakeholder base across local governments to deepen inclusiveness and strengthen grassroots participation.
Highlighting ongoing federal interventions, the governor listed major road projects and economic initiatives as indicators of progress, insisting that the APC remains well positioned to retain power at both state and national levels.
APC State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, reaffirmed the supremacy of the party, describing the governor as its leader in the state. He maintained that the leadership structure remained intact and loyal, warning against actions capable of creating divisions.
Kolawole urged aspirants to respect party decisions, noting that patience and loyalty are critical in political progression.
In his remarks, APC Central Senatorial Leader, Kayode Famuyiwa, praised the administration’s development strides, particularly in infrastructure and urban renewal, saying Akure now reflects the status of a modern state capital.
He, however, advocated the establishment of a College of Agriculture and Food Technology in Idanre to harness the area’s agricultural potential and create opportunities for youths.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ifedayo Abegunde, commended the turnout at the meeting and advised aspirants to intensify consultations at the grassroots.
Other stakeholders, including federal constituency representatives and party leaders, lauded the governor’s performance in road construction, education and urban development, while calling for further improvements in traffic management and infrastructure expansion.
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