2027: Embrace consensus, avoid internal rivalries, Aiyedatiwa tells Ondo aspirants

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State Governor, on Wednesday urged aspirants and stakeholders to embrace consensus and avoid internal rivalries capable of weakening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the Northern Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held in Owo, said while ambition is legitimate in politics, it must not override collective interest.

According to him, “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 other people also showing interest. That office is for one person at a time.”

The Governor explained that the APC allows both consensus arrangement and direct primaries in candidate selection, noting that consensus would be prioritised where agreement is achievable among stakeholders.

“A consensus is preferred, but where it cannot be achieved, we go for direct primaries. We will engage our stakeholders, the leadership and the aspirants to see reason why we should go by consensus,” he stated.

He urged aspirants to remain patient and politically mature, warning that disunity at the primary level could have long-term consequences for the party.

“That is the only way we can maintain peace and go into the election as one. It will be easier for us to win elections that way,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured all aspirants that their participation had been duly noted, stressing that none would be disregarded after the selection process.

“You have given yourself visibility. We have seen you, we have taken notes. The party chairman in your local government has the list of all aspirants. We have your names in our database. We will not forget you,” he said.

He added that loyalty and consistency within the party would eventually be rewarded.

“There is always a reward for loyalty and consistency. Maintain that, no matter how long it will take, your time will come,” he said.

He also warned against a return to political violence, referencing past incidents of unrest, and insisted that the current political environment would not tolerate such behaviour.