I have promised no one automatic ticket – Gov Aiyedatiwa declares

…….Party leaders harp on unity, urban renewal, massive membership drive

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has declared he has not promised any individual an automatic party ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the APC stakeholders meeting held at the Dome on Sunday, Governor Aiyedatiwa discipline, loyalty and performance, not propaganda, would determine the party’s direction in the coming electoral cycle.

“I have not promised anyone a ticket. I have also not denied anyone a ticket. Decisions for 2027 would be guided strictly by the party’s constitution and collective interest”.

He cautioned party members against misinformation and internal scheming, noting that such narratives were capable of creating unnecessary tension and division within the party.

The governor emphasised that while the party remains open to new members, including recent defectors from opposition parties, existing stakeholders must remain focused and steadfast.

“Everyone that comes into the party has interests. Those who are already inside must stand firm,” he said.

Reiterating his commitment to party unity, the governor said leadership at all levels must work in alignment with the recognised structure of the party, with the governor as the highest authority at the state level.

He urged party leaders across wards and local governments to intensify mobilisation efforts, particularly the ongoing e-registration exercise, stressing that performance at the grassroots would influence future party decisions.

The governor also restated his administration’s focus on governance, citing achievements in infrastructure, security and urban renewal, while assuring that more work would be done in critical sectors such as healthcare.

He concluded by calling for loyalty, obedience to party directives and patience, assuring members that the party would act fairly and transparently as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the APC, Southwest, Dr Isaac Kekemeke, commended the level of urbanisation taking place in Laguna, describing the changes as visible and impressive.

He thanked the governor for efforts at uniting all tendencies within the APC, particularly for convening meetings that brought stakeholders together.

He praised Aiyedatiwa for publicly declaring forgiveness and affirming that he harboured no political enemies or adversaries. “We are one state under the governorship of Aiyedatiwa,” Kekemeke said.

Kekemeke noted that while the governor was not the only leader in the party, the APC recognised different layers of leadership, including leaders in the National Assembly, ministers, and other influential figures, even those without formal offices, who had contributed to building the party.

He said the party at the national level recognised the governor as the highest leader at the sub-national level, stressing that all other leaders must work with, support and cooperate with him for the good of the party and the state.

Speaking earlier, the state caretaker chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, described the APC as the most dominant political party in Nigeria, noting that virtually all notable political office holders across the country emerged from the party.

Adetimehin said a review of political leadership across the North, Central and South showed APC’s dominance, adding that past and present holders of key political offices were largely members of the party.

He added that Alfred Agboola Ajayi was expected to formally join the APC within the week.

“This means our party, my party, your party, is the party of choice,” Adetimehin declared, boasting that no state could rival Ondo State in terms of the calibre of political figures within the APC.

He urged members to remain united, warning that internal rivalry would weaken the party. “Our symbol is blue. The more united we are, the stronger we become. We must tolerate one another to get to where we are going,” he said.

Recalling previous elections, the APC chairman said the party had emerged first in percentage and was now positioned to double its last electoral performance, attributing this to the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, whom he described as the party’s leader in the state.

On e-registration, Adetimehin said both old and new members would receive permanent membership cards, while temporary slips were currently being issued. He disclosed that over 128,000 members had already been registered, with some local governments recording over 10,000 registrations.

He listed Owo West, Akoko North-East, Akoko North-West, and Akoko South-West among the leading local governments, while Akure North topped the list in the central district.

Comparing Ondo’s performance with other states, he said Lagos was leading nationally with about 466,000 registrations, urging Ondo APC leaders to intensify mobilisation to outperform neighbouring states.

In goodwill messages, Dr Olumide Aliu thanked the governor for developmental projects across the state, particularly his visit to local communities, which he said brought hope to the people. He pledged loyalty and commitment ahead of the April 14, 2027 elections, assuring that Abogadon North-West would deliver the highest percentage of votes.

Mr Adeyemi Olayemi assured the governor of the readiness of party members to deliver electoral victory at any time, while former Commissioner Hon. Idowu Otetubi commended infrastructural projects and appointments, appealing for more development and assuring full support in 2027.

Chief Mrs Lola Sessy praised the governor’s performance and the peaceful atmosphere in the state, appealing for improved road access in her area, while Mr Rotimi Wilson from the Southern Senatorial District drew attention to network challenges affecting online registration and appealed for increased attention to the district.

Speaking on behalf of House of Representatives members, Hon. Derin Adesida congratulated the governor, describing his administration as ushering in a “golden age” for Ondo State, while Senator Jide Ipinsagba thanked Aiyedatiwa for fostering unity within the APC, describing him as the undisputed leader of the party in the state.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; federal lawmakers; political appointees; APC leaders; and others.