Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said he neither promised nor endorsed any aspirant for state or national assembly elections ahead of 2027. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa stated this on Sunday while addressing leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress during the state APC stakeholders’ meeting held at The Dome, Akure. 

He said that it had become necessary to state his position amid insinuations in the political space ahead of primaries for elective positions. 

He said, “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 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.”

Mr Aiyedatiwa explained that leaders of the party would participate in the process of picking candidates and explore the “consensus arrangement,” urging the party members to remain firm and disciplined.

He warned the party members against rumours, assumptions, and political falsehoods capable of creating divisions and factions within the APC.

The governor noted that it was in their hands to protect what the party built.

Mr Aiyedatiwa further emphasised unity within the party fold, stressing that the APC remained the only viable party in the state and urged members to work together to build the state.

He also said the ongoing APC e-registration was critical to the party’s future. 

The governor stated that the state recorded 128,770 registered members, ranking third in the South-West, adding that there was still room for improvement.

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.

He appreciated the 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.

In his remarks, the National Vice Chairman of the APC, South-West, Isaac Kekemeke, commended the level of urbanisation taking place in Akure, describing the changes as visible and impressive.

Mr Kekemeke applauded the governor for efforts at uniting tendencies within the APC, particularly for always convening meetings that bring stakeholders together.

Earlier, the state caretaker chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, described the APC as the most dominant political party in Nigeria, boasting that no state could rival Ondo State in terms of the calibre of political figures within the APC.

Mr Adetimehin, however, urged members to remain united, warning that internal rivalry would weaken the party.

He said, “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.”

Recalling previous elections, the APC chairman said the party had emerged first in percentage and now positioned to double its last electoral performance, attributing the success to the leadership of Mr Aiyedatiwa 

In goodwill messages, Olumide Aliu, thanked the governor for developmental projects across the state, particularly visiting communities, which he said brought hope to the people.