Aiyedatiwa seeks APC unity, backs consensus ahead of 2027 primaries
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday intensified calls for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging aspirants and stakeholders to embrace consensus and avoid internal rivalries capable of weakening the party ahead of future elections.
The governor, who spoke at the Northern Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Owo, said while political ambition is legitimate, it must not override the collective interest of the party.
“It is good to aspire for a position, very good. But the position you are vying for, you are not the only one. There are other people also showing interest. That office is for one person at a time,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the APC provides for both consensus arrangements and direct primaries in selecting candidates, noting that consensus would be prioritised where stakeholders reach agreement.
“A consensus is preferred, but where it cannot be achieved, we go for direct primaries. We will engage our stakeholders, the leadership and the aspirants to see reason why we should go by consensus,” he stated.
He urged aspirants to remain patient and demonstrate political maturity, warning that disunity at the primary stage could have far-reaching consequences.
“That is the only way we can maintain peace and go into the election as one. It will be easier for us to win elections that way,” he said.
The governor assured all aspirants that their participation had been duly noted and would not be disregarded after the selection process.
“You have given yourself visibility. We have seen you, we have taken notes. The party chairman in your local government has the list of all aspirants. We have your names in our database. We will not forget you,” he added, stressing that loyalty and consistency would ultimately be rewarded.
“There is always a reward for loyalty and consistency. Maintain that, no matter how long it will take, your time will come,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also warned against a return to political violence, insisting that the state would not tolerate any form of unrest.
On security, he said agencies had continued to respond proactively to threats, expressing confidence that there would be no room for terrorist attacks, while noting improvements in intelligence-driven operations, particularly in border communities prone to kidnapping.
He explained that the stakeholders’ meeting formed part of a quarterly expanded consultation framework aimed at improving governance feedback and strengthening grassroots participation, adding that decentralising the engagements across senatorial districts was designed to enhance inclusiveness.
The governor further noted that infrastructure development, especially road rehabilitation, was ongoing alongside sustained security interventions across the state.
In his remarks, APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, urged party members to remain disciplined and committed to party directives, stressing that unity remained non-negotiable.
He said the party would present a single candidate for each elective position, urging members to accept whoever emerges through consensus or primaries.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of the APC in the Northern Senatorial District, Olukayode Adejoro, commended the governor’s leadership, noting growing acceptance across the district.
He highlighted key development efforts, including the reopening of the Ikare mosque, road rehabilitation projects and the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare/Akungba road, as well as improved security supported by the Amotekun Corps, which he said had reduced kidnapping incidents.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders, including Mrs Yinka Alabi, Kolade Folawummi and Senator Remi Okunrinboye, also lauded the governor for the engagement and ongoing developmental strides in the state.
