Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday renewed his call for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging aspirants and party stakeholders to prioritise consensus and shun internal rivalries that could undermine the party’s strength.
Speaking at the Northern Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held in Owo, the governor acknowledged the legitimacy of political ambition but cautioned against allowing personal interests to overshadow collective goals.
“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,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa explained that while the APC provides for both consensus arrangements and direct primaries in candidate selection, the party would favour consensus where stakeholders can reach agreement.
“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 urged aspirants to demonstrate patience and political maturity, warning that divisions during the primaries could have lasting consequences for the party’s electoral fortunes.
“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 said.
The governor assured all aspirants that their efforts had not gone unnoticed, noting that their participation had already earned them recognition within the party structure.
“You have given yourself visibility. We have seen you, we have taken notes. The party chairman in your local government has the list of all aspirants. We have your names in our database. We will not forget you,” he said.
He further encouraged loyalty and consistency, stressing that dedication to the party would eventually be rewarded.
“There is always a reward for loyalty and consistency. Maintain that, no matter how long it will take, your time will come,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa also warned against a resurgence of political violence, referencing past incidents of unrest, and stressed that such behaviour would not be tolerated under the current administration.
On security, the governor said proactive efforts by security agencies have continued to yield results, expressing confidence that the state would remain safe from terrorist threats. He added that intelligence-driven operations had improved responses to crime, particularly in border communities previously affected by kidnapping.
He explained that the stakeholders’ meeting formed part of a quarterly expanded consultation framework aimed at strengthening governance feedback and enhancing grassroots participation. According to him, decentralising the engagement across senatorial districts was designed to promote inclusiveness and bring governance closer to the people.
The governor also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly road rehabilitation, alongside sustained investments in security across the state.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, called on party members to remain disciplined and adhere to party directives, emphasising that unity is non-negotiable. He noted that despite the number of aspirants, the party would present a single candidate for each elective position and urged members to support whoever emerges through consensus or primaries.
Earlier in his welcome address, the APC Vice Chairman in the Northern Senatorial District, Olukayode Adejoro, commended the governor’s leadership, noting its growing acceptance across the district. He cited key development strides, including the reopening of the Ikare mosque, road rehabilitation efforts and the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare/Akungba road.
Adejoro also pointed to improved security in the area, attributing the reduction in kidnapping incidents to the efforts of security agencies and the Amotekun Corps.
In separate goodwill messages, Mrs Yinka Alabi, Kolade Folawummi and Senator Remi Okunrinboye lauded the governor for engaging stakeholders and acknowledged the administration’s developmental efforts across the state.