Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has firmly declared that he has not endorsed, approved, or promised any elective ticket to any aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections, warning members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against rumours, assumptions, and political falsehoods capable of dividing the party.
The governor made the declaration on Sunday while addressing party leaders and members at the Ondo State APC stakeholders’ meeting held at The Dome, Akure, where party leaders reaffirmed unity and intensified mobilisation for the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the clarification became necessary amid widespread insinuations in the political space ahead of party primaries for elective offices.
“In the political climate, there are many falsehoods, lies, insinuations and assumptions flying around to create cracks and divisions. Let me emphasise clearly: I have not promised anyone any ticket, whether for the State Assembly, National Assembly, or otherwise. I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket,” he stated.
He explained that the process of selecting candidates would involve all party leaders, adding that the APC would explore a consensus arrangement where necessary.
The governor urged party members to remain disciplined and united, stressing that the responsibility of protecting the party lies with them and warning against actions that could embolden factions within the APC.
Emphasising unity, Aiyedatiwa noted the strong presence of National Assembly members at the meeting, while those absent had sent apologies due to national engagements. He described the APC as the only viable political party in Ondo State and called on members to work collectively to further develop the state.
On party administration, the governor underscored the importance of the APC e-registration exercise, describing it as critical to the party’s future. He disclosed that Ondo State had recorded 128,770 registered members, ranking third in the South-West, while assuring that challenges related to National Identification Number (NIN) registration and logistics were being addressed.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the stakeholders’ meeting formed part of his quarterly expanded consultations, noting that the engagement was timely as the state enters the first quarter of 2026, with major political and governance activities ahead.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, the governor listed progress in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, security, and industrialisation, adding that several investment projects had reached the memorandum of understanding stage and would soon commence ground-breaking.
He also spoke on the ongoing urban renewal programme in Akure, saying it was aimed at transforming the state capital and restoring pride among residents.
Meanwhile, APC leaders at the meeting reaffirmed their confidence in the governor and the party, pledging stronger mobilisation ahead of future elections.
In his remarks, the APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr Isaac Kekemeke, commended the pace of urbanisation in Akure and praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for uniting all tendencies within the party. He also lauded the governor for declaring forgiveness and affirming that he harbours no political enemies.
The APC State Caretaker Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, described the APC as Nigeria’s most dominant party, urging members to remain united and warning that internal rivalry would weaken the party’s strength.
Goodwill messages were delivered by party leaders and stakeholders across the state, who praised the governor’s developmental projects, leadership style, and peaceful atmosphere in Ondo State.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly (represented); Secretary to the State Government; Chief of Staff; members of the State Executive Council; federal and state lawmakers; political appointees; and other APC leaders.
