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| Aiyedatiwa and Babatunde |
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday renewed his call for unity within the All Progressives Congress, urging aspirants and party stakeholders to prioritise consensus and shun actions capable of destabilising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Northern Senatorial District held in Owo, the governor said while political ambition is legitimate, it must be pursued with a sense of responsibility and regard for 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 others showing interest. That office is for one person at a time,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the APC’s constitution provides for both consensus and direct primaries in candidate selection, noting that consensus would be adopted where stakeholders reach a common ground.
“Consensus is always preferable, but where it is not achievable, we will conduct direct primaries. We will continue to engage leaders and aspirants on the need to adopt consensus where possible,” he added.
He cautioned that internal divisions during the primaries could weaken the party’s chances in the general election, stressing the need for maturity and patience among aspirants.
“That is the only way we can sustain peace and approach elections as a united front. It also improves our chances of victory,” the governor stated.
Assuring aspirants of recognition, Aiyedatiwa said their participation in the process had been duly noted and would not be overlooked.
“You have made yourselves visible to the party. Your names are documented at various levels, and your efforts will not go unnoticed,” he said, adding that loyalty and consistency within the party would ultimately be rewarded.
The governor also warned against a resurgence of political violence, insisting that the state would not tolerate any form of unrest, while expressing confidence in the capacity of security agencies to address emerging threats.
He noted that intelligence-led security strategies had enhanced responses to crime, particularly in border communities previously affected by kidnapping.
Aiyedatiwa said the stakeholders’ meeting formed part of a quarterly consultation initiative aimed at strengthening governance feedback and promoting grassroots participation, adding that rotating the meetings across senatorial districts was designed to foster inclusiveness.
He further disclosed that his administration was sustaining infrastructure development, especially road rehabilitation, alongside ongoing security interventions across the state.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, called on party members to adhere strictly to party discipline and directives, stressing that unity remains critical to the party’s success.
He said despite the growing number of aspirants, the party would eventually present a single candidate for each elective position and urged members to support whoever emerges through consensus or primaries.
Earlier, the APC Vice Chairman for the Northern Senatorial District, Olukayode Adejoro, commended the governor’s leadership style, noting that it has continued to gain acceptance among residents.
He highlighted key development projects in the area, including road rehabilitation and the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare-Akungba road, as well as improved security supported by the Amotekun Corps, which he said had helped curb kidnapping.
Also speaking, party stakeholders, including Mrs Yinka Alabi, Kolade Folawummi and Senator Remi Okunrinboye, lauded the governor for engaging party members and advancing development initiatives across the state.
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