2027: I’ve no preferred candidates for national, state Assemblies, says Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared that he has not endorsed, approved or promised any elective ticket to any aspirant, warning party members against rumours, assumptions and political falsehoods capable of creating divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor made the statement on Sunday while addressing leaders and members of the APC during the Ondo State APC stakeholders’ meeting held at The Dome, Akure, as party leaders simultaneously reaffirmed unity and intensified mobilisation for the ongoing electronic registration exercise.
Aiyedatiwa said it had become necessary to clearly state his position in view of widespread insinuations in the political space.
He stated, “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.
” I want to emphasise, I want to reiterate, I want to submit that I have not promised anyone a ticket. I have not promised anyone that I am giving you a ticket of assembly.”
The governor urged party members to remain firm and disciplined, stressing that it was now in their hands to protect what the party had built.
He warned against internal complaints and actions capable of emboldening factions, adding that loyalty and obedience were essential to collective progress.
According to him, the stakeholders’ meeting was part of his quarterly expanded consultations with party leaders, noting that the engagement was timely as the state had entered a new year and the first quarter of 2026, with major political and governance activities ahead.
He thanked stakeholders from the three senatorial districts, party leaders, National Assembly members, and national party officials for their contributions and commendations, particularly regarding the administration’s modest achievements since assuming office.
The governor listed progress recorded in infrastructure, security, stability and peace, as well as efforts to touch all sectors of the economy and move the state towards industrialisation.
He disclosed that several investments had reached the memorandum of understanding stage and were expected to commence ground-breaking soon.
The governor also highlighted the ongoing urban renewal programme in Akure, saying it aimed to change the narrative of the state capital and make residents proud of their city.
While expressing delight over positive feedback, he admitted that the administration was not yet where it should be, identifying the health sector as a major area requiring urgent attention.
He said he was already working with the Hospitals Management Board and visiting facilities to gather data on areas of need, pledging that healthcare improvement would be prioritised.
He called on stakeholders, particularly those in the medical field, to work with the government to strengthen healthcare delivery, stressing that medical services were as important as agriculture and other sectors.
On party affairs, the governor emphasised unity, noting that most National Assembly members from the state were present at the meeting, while those absent had sent apologies owing to national assignments.
He said APC remained the only viable party in the state and urged members to work together to build Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa also placed strong emphasis on the APC e-registration exercise, describing it as critical to the party’s future.
He explained that the meeting was convened ahead of the January 31 deadline to mobilise leaders across wards and local governments.
He disclosed that, as of the day of the meeting, Ondo State had recorded 128,770 registered members, ranking third in the South-West zone, adding that there was still room for improvement.
He gave a detailed breakdown of registration figures across local governments, noting that while some had crossed the 9,000 and 10,000 marks, others were still lagging in lower categories.
According to him, 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.
Meanwhile, APC leaders and stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their confidence in the party and the governor, pledging stronger mobilisation ahead of future elections.
In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the APC, Southwest, Dr. Isaac Kekemeke, commended the level of urbanisation taking place in Laguna, describing the changes as visible and impressive.
He thanked the governor for his efforts at uniting all tendencies within the APC, particularly for convening meetings that brought stakeholders together.
He praised Aiyedatiwa for publicly declaring forgiveness and affirming that he harboured no political enemies or adversaries. “We are one state under the governorship of Aiyedatiwa,” Kekemeke affirmed.
He noted that while the governor was not the only leader in the party, the APC recognised different layers of leadership, including leaders in the National Assembly, ministers and other influential figures, even those without formal offices, who had contributed to building the party.
He said the party at the national level recognised the governor as the highest leader at the sub-national level, stressing that all other leaders must work with, support and cooperate with him for the good of the party and the state.
Speaking earlier, the state caretaker chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, described the APC as the most dominant political party in Nigeria, noting that virtually all notable political office holders across the country emerged from the party.
Adetimehin said a review of political leadership across the North, Central and South showed APC’s dominance, adding that past and present holders of key political offices were largely members of the party.
He added that Alfred Agboola Ajayi was expected to formally join the APC within the week.
“This means our party, my party, your party, is the party of choice. No state can rival Ondo State in terms of the calibre of political figures within the APC,” Adetimehin declared.
He urged members to remain united, warning that internal rivalry would weaken the party. “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,” he said.
Recalling previous elections, the APC chairman 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, whom he described as the party’s leader in the state.
On e-registration, Adetimehin said both old and new members would receive permanent membership cards, while temporary slips were currently being issued. He disclosed that over 128,000 members had already been registered, with some local governments recording over 10,000 registrations.
He listed Owo West, Akoko North-East, Akoko North-West, and Akoko South-West among the leading local governments, while Akure North topped the list in the central district.
Comparing Ondo’s performance with other states, he said Lagos was leading nationally with about 466,000 registrations, urging Ondo APC leaders to intensify mobilisation to outperform neighbouring states.
In his goodwill message, Dr Olumide Aliu thanked the governor for developmental projects across the state, particularly his visit to local communities, which he said brought hope to the people. He pledged loyalty and commitment ahead of the April 14, 2027 elections, assuring that Abogadon North-West would deliver the highest percentage of votes.
Mr Adeyemi Olayemi assured the governor of the readiness of party members to deliver electoral victory at any time, while former Commissioner Hon. Idowu Otetubi commended infrastructural projects and appointments, appealing for more development and assuring full support in 2027.
Chief (Mrs) Lola Sessy praised the governor’s performance and the peaceful atmosphere in the state, appealing for improved road access in her area, while Mr Rotimi Wilson from the Southern Senatorial District drew attention to network challenges affecting online registration and appealed for increased attention to the district.
Speaking on behalf of House of Representatives members, Hon. Derin Adesida congratulated the governor, describing his administration as ushering in a “golden age” for Ondo State, while Senator Jide Ipinsagba thanked Aiyedatiwa for fostering unity within the APC, describing him as the ‘undisputed leader’ of the party in the state.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; federal lawmakers; political appointees; APC leaders; and others.
