2027: Embrace 'consensus' -  Aiyedatiwa tells APC aspirants 

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace 'consensus' in the build-up to the 2027 general elections, warning against internal rivalries that could weaken the party.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC Northern Senatorial District held in Owo on Wednesday. 

He said while political ambition is legitimate, it must not override the collective interest of the party.

The governor explained that the APC’s constitution provides for both consensus arrangements and direct primaries, noting that consensus would be prioritised where mutual agreement is achievable.

"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.

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"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 cautioned aspirants to remain patient and politically mature, stressing that disunity during primaries could have long-term consequences for the party’s electoral chances.

“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 added.

Mr Aiyedatiwa assured aspirants that their participation had been duly noted and that none would be ignored in the party’s future considerations.

“You have given yourself visibility. We have seen you and taken notes. Your names are in our database. We will not forget you,” he said.

While adding that loyalty and consistency would eventually be rewarded, the governor also warned against political violence, stressing that the state would not tolerate a return to unrest.

On security, he said intelligence-driven operations had improved responses to crime, particularly in kidnapping-prone border communities, expressing confidence that the state would remain safe from terrorist threats.

He noted that the stakeholders’ meeting forms part of a quarterly consultation framework aimed at strengthening governance feedback and grassroots participation, adding that decentralising the engagements across senatorial districts promotes inclusiveness.

Mr Aiyedatiwa further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation efforts across the state.

In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, urged party members to remain disciplined and committed to party directives, stressing that unity is non-negotiable.

He said the party would ultimately present a single candidate for each elective office and called on members to accept outcomes reached through consensus or primaries.

Earlier, the APC Northern Senatorial District Vice Chairman, Olukayode Adejoro, commended the governor’s leadership, noting improvements in infrastructure and security across the district.

He cited projects such as road rehabilitation and the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare/Akungba road, as well as reduced kidnapping incidents attributed to the activities of the Amotekun Corps.