As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state will emerge through a consensus arrangement, dismissing claims of secret endorsements.
The governor made the clarification on Sunday during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at The International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa said he had not promised or endorsed any aspirant for elective offices, including seats in the State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, stressing the need to address what he described as misleading insinuations ahead of party primaries.
“It has become necessary to correct the falsehoods, lies, insinuations, and assumptions flying around in the political space,” the governor said.
“I want to emphasise that I have not promised anyone a ticket. I have not said I will give anyone the ticket of the State Assembly or National Assembly, and I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket,” he declared.
He warned party members, particularly aspirants, against rumours and political misinformation capable of creating cracks and divisions within the party, urging them to remain disciplined and focused on unity.
The governor explained that party leaders would play a key role in the candidate selection process, reaffirming that the APC would explore a consensus-based approach in choosing its flagbearers.
Aiyedatiwa further urged members to protect the achievements of the party in the state, warning that actions capable of emboldening factions could undermine the APC’s dominance in Ondo.
Emphasising unity, he noted that most National Assembly members from the state were present at the meeting, while those absent had sent apologies due to national engagements.
He maintained that the APC remained the only viable political party in Ondo State and called on members to work collectively towards the state’s development.
The governor also highlighted the importance of the party’s ongoing e-registration exercise, describing it as critical to the APC’s future electoral success.
According to him, the meeting was convened ahead of the January 31 deadline to mobilise party leaders across wards and local governments.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that as of the meeting date, Ondo State had recorded 128,770 registered APC members, ranking third in the South-West zone, while noting that there was still room for improvement.
He added that challenges related to National Identification Number (NIN) registration were being addressed in collaboration with relevant agencies, while logistics and decentralisation efforts were being strengthened to boost participation statewide.
