Owo: Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to unite behind a consensus approach ahead of the 2027 primaries, warning that internal divisions could jeopardise the party’s chances in future elections.
In a statement signed by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Aiyedatiwa called for greater unity within the APC. He appealed to aspirants and stakeholders to embrace consensus, warning that rivalries threaten the party’s strength.
The Governor, who spoke at the Northern Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held in Owo, said while ambition is legitimate in politics, it must not override collective interest.
“It is good to aspire for a position, very good. But in the position you are vying for, you are not the only one. Other people are also showing interest. That office is for one person at a time,” he said.
The Governor explained that the APC allows both consensus arrangements and direct primaries for candidate selection, noting that consensus would be prioritised when agreement among stakeholders is achievable.
Consensus is our top choice. If it fails, we use direct primaries. We’ll engage stakeholders to demonstrate why consensus strengthens unity.
He urged aspirants to show patience and political maturity, warning that disunity now will harm the party in the long run.
“Unity is the only way to ensure peace and enter the election as one, increasing our chances of victory,” he asserted.
He assured aspirants that their roles are recognised and that none will be ignored after candidate selection.
“Your participation has been noted; all aspirants are recorded by party leadership. You will not be forgotten,” he said.
He said loyalty and consistency will lead to eventual rewards within the party.
“There is always a reward for loyalty and consistency. For example, dedicated party members are often considered first for appointments, official recognitions, committee memberships, or leadership positions within the party structure. Maintain your commitment, as over time, dedicated service improves your chances of being selected for such roles,” he said.
He also warned against a return to political violence, referencing past incidents of unrest, and insisted that the current political environment would not tolerate such behaviour.
On security, Governor Aiyedatiwa reported that agencies are responding swiftly to threats and pledged continued vigilance to keep terrorist threats at bay.
He noted that intelligence-led efforts enable faster reactions, especially in border areas facing kidnapping risks.
He explained that the stakeholders’ engagement was part of a quarterly expanded consultation framework designed to improve governance feedback and deepen grassroots participation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said decentralising the meetings across senatorial districts was intended to enhance inclusiveness and bring governance closer to the people.
He also stated that infrastructure development, particularly road rehabilitation, is ongoing alongside sustained security interventions across the state.
In his remarks, APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, urged party members to remain committed to discipline and party directives, stressing that unity remains non-negotiable.
He said the party would ultimately present a single candidate for each elective position despite the large number of aspirants, urging members to accept whoever emerges through consensus or primaries as directed by party leadership.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of the APC in the Northern Senatorial District, Olukayode Adejoro, commended the governor, noting that his leadership is gaining widespread acceptance.
He highlighted development efforts in the district, including the reopening of the Ikare mosque, road rehabilitation projects and the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare/Akungba road.
He also said improved security, supported by the Amotekun Corps, had reduced kidnapping incidents in the area.
In their goodwill messages, Mrs Yinka Alabi from Akoko South East and South West, Kolade Folawummi from Akoko North East/North West and Senator Remi Okunrinboye from Owo/Ose all commended the governor for the stakeholders’ engagement and his developmental strides in the state.
