By our Reporter
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, of Ondo State has declared that candidates of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 general elections will be selected based on merit, loyalty, and winnability, warning aspirants against engaging in do-or-die politics.
The governor also set a target of one million votes for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the state during the 2027 presidential election.
Aiyedatiwa made the remarks on Friday at the APC Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held at the Akure Township Hall, where he stressed the need for unity, discipline, and respect for party supremacy.
He noted that political activities had already gathered momentum across the state, explaining that the process would begin with the collection of expression of interest and nomination forms, followed by screening, appeals, and the adoption of either direct primaries or consensus arrangements as determined by the party.
The governor disclosed that party leadership was already engaging aspirants to promote consensus building, emphasising that only one candidate would emerge for each elective position.
He cautioned against desperation in the pursuit of political ambition, urging aspirants to assess themselves honestly and remain loyal to the party even if they fail to secure tickets.
“It is not a do-or-die affair. If you are not chosen, remain in the party. One day, opportunity will come,” he said, recalling his own experience of contesting and losing a senatorial bid in 2018 before later attaining political success.
Aiyedatiwa further revealed that the APC had expanded its stakeholder structure from 10 to 60 leaders per local government to deepen inclusiveness and participation, adding that consultations had been decentralised into senatorial districts.
Reaffirming the party’s strategic focus, he said the APC is determined to retain power at both state and national levels, urging members to support President Tinubu based on his administration’s performance.
He cited key federal projects in the 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 initiatives, as evidence of progress.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, reaffirmed party supremacy and described Aiyedatiwa as the undisputed leader of the party in the state. He assured that the State Working Committee remains loyal to the governor and warned against divided allegiance.
Kolawole urged aspirants to accept party decisions with maturity, stressing that political patience is key to long-term success.
Earlier, the APC Central Senatorial Leader, Kayode Famuyiwa, commended the governor’s leadership and infrastructural development, noting improvements in the state capital, Akure.
He also called for the establishment of a College of Agriculture and Food Technology in Idanre to harness the area’s agricultural potential.
The Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ifedayo Abegunde, described the meeting as well attended and urged aspirants to focus on grassroots consultations.
Other stakeholders, including federal lawmakers and party leaders, commended the governor’s developmental strides and pledged continued support for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, and party stakeholders from across the state.
