2027: Aiyedatiwa sets merit, loyalty criteria for APC candidates, warns against desperation in Ondo
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday declared that candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections in the state would emerge based on merit, loyalty and winnability, cautioning aspirants against desperation and do-or-die politics.
The governor also set a target of one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in Ondo State in the 2027 presidential election.
Aiyedatiwa made the remarks at the APC Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held at the Akure Township Hall, where he stressed the need for unity, discipline and strict adherence to party supremacy.
He noted that political activities across the state had gathered momentum, explaining that the electoral process would commence with the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms, followed by screening, appeals where necessary, and thereafter either direct primaries or consensus arrangements as determined by the party.
The governor disclosed that the party leadership had begun engagements with aspirants across different levels to promote consensus building, stressing that only one candidate would eventually emerge for each position.
He warned aspirants against treating politics as a do-or-die affair, urging them to undertake honest self-assessment and exercise restraint in the pursuit of their ambitions.
Aiyedatiwa also cautioned against defection, insisting that those who fail to secure party tickets should remain loyal to the APC rather than abandon the party.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled contesting for the Senate in 2018 without success but remaining within the party, noting that patience and loyalty ultimately yielded opportunities.
“It is not a do-or-die affair. If you are not chosen, do not rock the boat. Remain in the party. One day, opportunity will come,” he said.
The governor further revealed that the APC had expanded its stakeholder structure from 10 to 60 leaders per local government to deepen inclusiveness, adding that consultations had been decentralised into senatorial districts to enhance participation.
Reaffirming the party’s strategic objective, he said the APC remained focused on retaining power at both state and national levels, urging members to support President Tinubu based on performance.
He listed key federal projects in Ondo State, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Ore–Akure dualisation, Akure North axis road and the Ibadan–Ilesa–Akure–Benin highway, alongside improved federal allocations and student loan schemes, as indicators of governance delivery.
Describing the 2027 elections as a “task that must be achieved,” the governor urged party members to remain committed to the APC’s success.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, reaffirmed party supremacy and described the governor as the undisputed leader of the party in the state.
He explained that his role as chairman remained organisational, stressing that ultimate authority rested with the governor, and assured that the State Working Committee remained fully loyal to him.
Kolawole warned against divided allegiance and urged aspirants to accept party decisions with maturity, emphasising that political patience is essential for long-term success.
In his welcome address, the Central Senatorial Leader of the APC, Mr Kayode Famuyiwa, commended the governor’s leadership, infrastructural strides and economic management, noting that Akure had attained the status of a befitting state capital.
He called for the establishment of a College of Agriculture and Food Technology in Idanre, citing the area’s agricultural potential in cocoa, timber and plantain, and lamented that the absence of a tertiary institution was hindering youth development.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation at the meeting, noting that the choice between consensus and direct primaries would be determined by party leadership.
He urged aspirants to intensify consultations within their constituencies.
In goodwill messages, representatives of Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Hon. Olabisi Johnson, commended the governor’s infrastructural and educational interventions, including road construction, school rehabilitation and teacher recruitment.
For Akure South/North Federal Constituency, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kenneth Olawale, lauded ongoing urban renewal efforts, including improved traffic management and installation of traffic lights, while calling for the construction of flyovers to ease congestion in the state capital.
For Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Chief Mrs Lydia Ajisafe appreciated developmental projects in the area and pledged the support of women.
The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; Hon. Abiola Makinde; Hon. Festus Akingbaso; former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; and other party leaders and stakeholders.
