2027: I didn’t promise anyone ticket, says Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday warned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to disregard rumours, insinuations and political falsehoods, stressing that he has neither endorsed nor promised any elective ticket to any aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor, who made the clarification while addressing party leaders and members at the Ondo State APC stakeholders’ meeting held at The Dome, Akure, said such political falsehoods were capable of tearing the party apart.
Aiyedatiwa said it had become necessary to clearly state his position in view of growing insinuations in the political space, stressing that no individual had been favoured or denied any return ticket.
He said: “Let me quickly correct this, because we know that in the political climate, there are many falsehoods, lies, insinuations and assumptions flying around that try to create cracks and divisions.
“I want to emphasise and reiterate that I have not promised anyone a ticket. I have not promised anyone that I am giving you a state assembly or National Assembly ticket. I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket.”
He noted that the party would collectively determine its candidates and would explore a consensus arrangement, urging members to remain disciplined and united.
The governor warned that such actions could embolden factions capable of undermining the party’s strength, stressing that the APC remains the only viable political party in the state and must be protected by all members.
He also emphasised the importance of the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise, describing it as critical to the party’s future.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that Ondo State had recorded 128,770 registered members, ranking third in the South-West, and called for intensified mobilisation ahead of the January 31 deadline.
He added that challenges related to National Identification Number (NIN) registration and logistics were being addressed to improve participation.
The governor explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was part of his quarterly consultations with party leaders and thanked stakeholders across the three senatorial districts for their support.
He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, security and urban renewal, particularly in Akure, adding that several investment projects were nearing the ground-breaking stage.
Earlier, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Dr Isaac Kekemeke, commended the governor’s unifying leadership and the visible urban renewal in Akure.
He thanked the governor for efforts at uniting all tendencies within the APC, particularly for consistently convening meetings that bring stakeholders together.
Kekemeke also praised the governor for publicly declaring forgiveness and affirming that he harboured no political enemies or adversaries. “We are one state under the governorship of Aiyedatiwa,” he said.
The state APC caretaker chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, urged members to remain united, describing the APC as the most dominant party in the country and boasting that no state could rival Ondo State in terms of the calibre of political figures within the party.
He warned that internal rivalry would weaken the APC, saying: “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.”
Recalling previous elections, Adetimehin 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.
Speaking on behalf of members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Derin Adesida congratulated the governor, describing his administration as ushering in a “golden age” for Ondo State, while Senator Jide Ipinsagba thanked the governor for fostering unity within the APC.
Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; members of the State House of Assembly; federal lawmakers; political appointees; and other APC leaders.
