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 be selected based on merit, loyalty and winnability, warning against desperation and do-or-die politics within the party.
He also set a target of one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in Ondo State in the 2027 presidential election.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the remarks at the APC Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held at the Akure Township Hall, where he emphasised unity, discipline and adherence to party supremacy.
The governor said political activities across the state had already gained momentum, explaining that the electoral process would begin with the collection 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.
Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the party leadership is already engaging aspirants across various levels to promote consensus building, stressing that only one candidate would emerge for each position.
He cautioned aspirants against treating politics as a do-or-die affair, urging them to conduct honest self-assessment and exercise restraint in pursuit of ambition.
The governor also warned against defection, insisting that members who fail to secure party tickets should remain loyal rather than leave the APC.
Recalling his political experience, the governor said he once contested for the Senate in 2018 and lost but remained in the party, adding that patience and loyalty eventually 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.
He 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 goal, the governor said the APC remains 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 evidence of governance delivery.
He maintained that the 2027 elections remain a “task that must be achieved” for the APC in the state.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, reaffirmed party supremacy and declared that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains the leader of the party in the State.
He stated that his role as chairman is strictly organisational, stressing that ultimate authority in the party rests with the governor.
Kolawole assured that the State Working Committee remains fully loyal to the governor, warning against any form of divided allegiance.
He urged aspirants to accept party decisions with maturity, adding that political patience remains key to long-term success. He also reiterated the APC’s full support for President Tinubu.
In his welcome address, Central Senatorial Leader of the APC, Mr Kayode Famuyiwa, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, infrastructural development and economic management, noting that Akure had attained a befitting capital status.
He called for the establishment of a College of Agriculture and Food Technology in Idanre, citing the area’s agricultural endowments in cocoa, timber and plantain, and said the absence of a tertiary institution was hindering youth development.
The Executive Director of Corporate Services, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation at the meeting.
He said the choice between consensus and direct primaries would be determined by party leadership, urging aspirants to focus on consultations in their respective constituencies.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Hon. Olabisi Johnson, commended the governor for infrastructural development and educational interventions, including road construction, rural school rehabilitation and teacher recruitment.
For Akure South/North Federal Constituency, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kenneth Olawale, lauded urban renewal efforts in Akure, including traffic management improvements and installation of traffic lights, while calling for flyovers to ease congestion in the state capital.
For Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Chief Mrs Lydia Ajisafe expressed appreciation for developmental projects executed in the area and pledged the support of the womenfolk.
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.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
April 24, 2026.