Ahead of the 2027 elections, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has denied endorsing, approving or promising tickets to any aspirant seeking elective office at the state or National Assembly levels.
The governor, who issued the clarification while addressing leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, warned party members against rumours, assumptions and political falsehoods capable of creating divisions within the party.
Aiyedatiwa said it had become necessary to clearly state his position in view of widespread insinuations in the political space ahead of party primaries.
“Let me quickly correct this, because we know in the political climate there are many falsehoods, lies, insinuations and assumptions flying around to create cracks and divisions.
“I want to emphasise and reiterate that I have not promised anyone a ticket. I have not promised anyone a state assembly or National Assembly ticket, and I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket,” he said.
According to him, the process of picking candidates would involve all party leaders, adding that the APC would explore a consensus arrangement where necessary.
He urged party members to remain firm and disciplined, stressing that it was their collective responsibility to protect the gains of the party and avoid actions that could embolden factions.
The governor emphasised unity, noting that most National Assembly members from the state were present at the meeting, while those absent had sent apologies due to national assignments.
Aiyedatiwa said the APC remained the only viable party in Ondo State and called on members to work together to further develop the state.
He also placed strong emphasis on the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, describing it as critical to the party’s future, and explained that the meeting was convened ahead of the January 31 deadline to mobilise leaders across wards and local governments.
According to him, Ondo State had recorded 128,770 registered members as of the day of the meeting, ranking third in the South-West, with room for improvement.
He said challenges associated with National Identification Number (NIN) registration were being addressed in collaboration with relevant agencies, while logistics and decentralisation efforts were being strengthened to boost participation.
The governor said the stakeholders’ meeting was part of his quarterly expanded consultations, noting that it was timely as the state entered the first quarter of 2026 with major political and governance activities ahead.
He listed achievements recorded in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and security, as well as efforts to drive industrialisation, disclosing that several investment projects had reached the memorandum of understanding stage and would soon commence.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the ongoing urban renewal programme in Akure, aimed at transforming the state capital and improving residents’ quality of life.
Meanwhile, APC leaders and stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their confidence in the party and the governor, pledging stronger mobilisation ahead of future elections.
The APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Dr Isaac Kekemeke, commended the level of urban renewal in Akure and praised the governor’s efforts at uniting all tendencies within the party.
“We are one state under the governorship of Aiyedatiwa,” Kekemeke said.
Earlier, the state caretaker chairman of the APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, described the party as the most dominant in Nigeria and urged members to remain united, warning that internal rivalry would weaken the party.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by party leaders and lawmakers, who commended the governor for fostering unity and advancing development across the state.
