Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has explicitly declared that he has not endorsed, approved, or promised an elective ticket to any aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Sunday at a high-level All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting at The Dome in Akure, the Governor warned party members against peddling rumors and political falsehoods capable of fracturing the party.
Addressing the gathering of party leaders, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated it was crucial to clarify his position amidst widespread insinuations circulating in the political space.
He debunked claims that specific individuals had been anointed for State or National Assembly seats, emphasizing that the playing field remains open.
“Let me quickly correct this, because we know in the political climate there are many falsehoods, lies, insinuations, and assumptions that fly around and try to create cracks and divisions,” Aiyedatiwa said. “I want to emphasize, I want to reiterate that I have not promised anyone a ticket. I have not promised anyone that I am giving you a ticket of State Assembly or National Assembly. I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket.”
The Governor outlined the party’s strategy for the upcoming election cycle, revealing that the APC in Ondo State would explore a consensus arrangement to select candidates.
He assured that all party leaders would participate in this process to ensure fairness.
However, he made one exception, reiterating that the only position not vacant is that of the President, reaffirming his administration’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
Beyond internal politics, the meeting focused heavily on the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the drive as critical to the party’s future and urged leaders to intensify mobilization before the January 31 deadline.
He disclosed that while Ondo State currently ranks third in the South-West with 128,770 registered members, there is significant room for improvement.
He assured stakeholders that challenges regarding National Identification Number (NIN) verification were being addressed through collaboration with relevant agencies.
On governance, the Governor highlighted his administration’s progress in infrastructure, agriculture, and specifically the urban renewal program in Akure, which he noted is designed to modernize the state capital.
He also mentioned that several investment projects had reached the memorandum of understanding stage, with ground-breaking ceremonies expected soon.
Reacting to the Governor’s address, the National Vice Chairman of the APC (Southwest), Dr. Isaac Kekemeke, commended Aiyedatiwa’s efforts to unite various tendencies within the party.
He praised the visible urbanization in Akure and the Governor’s public declaration of having no political enemies.
Similarly, the State Caretaker Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, urged members to remain united, attributing the party’s recent electoral successes to the stability provided by the Governor’s leadership.
The meeting was attended by top government and party functionaries, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, federal and state lawmakers, and members of the State Executive Council, all of whom pledged to work towards a cohesive front for future elections.