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By Tracy Moses
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that he has not endorsed or promised any ticket to aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning party members against spreading rumours that could divide the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the clarification on Sunday while addressing leaders and members of the APC at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, the state capital.
Although Ondo State will not hold a governorship election in 2027, political activities within the ruling party have intensified, driven by growing interest among members seeking seats in the State House of Assembly and the National Assembly.
In recent weeks, speculation over alleged endorsements and early alignments has raised concerns about possible factionalisation within the party.
Aiyedatiwa said it was necessary to clarify his position following what he described as increasing insinuations as preparations for party primaries gather momentum.
“Let me quickly correct this because, in the political climate, there are many falsehoods, lies, insinuations and assumptions that fly around and try to create cracks and divisions,” he said.
“I want to emphasise that I have not promised anyone a ticket. I have not promised anyone that I am giving you a ticket for the State Assembly or National Assembly election, and I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket.”
He stressed that unity and internal democracy remain critical to the strength and future success of the party, urging members to avoid actions that could undermine cohesion.
The governor also spoke on the ongoing nationwide electronic registration and revalidation exercise of the APC, describing it as a strategic effort to strengthen the party’s grassroots base.
He explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened ahead of the January 31 deadline to mobilise leaders across wards and local government areas to ensure its success.
According to Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State had, as of the day of the meeting, recorded 128,770 registered APC members, placing the state third in the South-West zone, though he noted the figure could still improve with sustained mobilisation.
In his remarks, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Mr Isaac Kekemeke, commended the level of urban development in Akure, describing the transformation as visible and impressive.
He also lauded Aiyedatiwa for uniting various factions within the party, urging members to remain tolerant and united.
“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,” Kekemeke said.