<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ondo State chapter of the APC has reiterated that it will adopt a consensus arrangement in selecting its candidates, even as aspirant for Ondo North Senatorial District, Alex Oluremilekun Ajipe, intensified calls for the seat to return to Owo\/Ose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking during an interaction with party stakeholders, the state chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, dismissed concerns over the mode of candidate selection, stressing that consensus remains a core tradition of the party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure anybody is afraid of the two means of picking our candidates. The party is known for consensus mode of choosing candidates. We\u2019ve used it at the national convention, for zonal officers, and even at the state level,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kolawole emphasised that the APC leadership would guide the process and ultimately recommend candidates after consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn APC, we take decisions through a consensus arrangement; it is constitutional. Our duty is to guide and recommend the best candidate. Once a decision is taken, it is binding on all members,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He, however, clarified that endorsements by groups or local stakeholders do not translate to automatic candidacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I\u2019m an aspirant, I can gather people to adopt me, but that does not make me the party\u2019s candidate. There is a timetable, and the party will follow it. Endorsements only indicate preferences; the final decision rests with the leadership,\u201d the chairman stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, Ajipe had urged the party leadership to ensure fairness, insisting that Owo\/Ose deserves the senatorial seat after years of political imbalance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have paid my dues in this party since 1988. Many of us have worked with the belief that one day it will be our turn,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He argued that equity demands a shift in the senatorial slot, noting that Akoko axis has held the position for about 20 years, including four consecutive terms, while Owo\/Ose has had fewer opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOwo\/Ose people are agitating that for over 20 years, they have not produced a senator. Akoko has done it for four consecutive terms. It is only fair that the seat returns to Owo\/Ose,\u201d Ajipe stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The aspirant added that his position reflects the collective demand of his people, not personal ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am delivering the message of Owo\/Ose\u2014we need the senate. Our people will not condone being sidelined,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While acknowledging internal concerns within the party, Ajipe noted that he had played a role in addressing grievances and maintaining unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome people felt marginalised; I called them, opened my doors, and everything was resolved. We gave voice to the voiceless during the last APC congress and helped hold the party together,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the agitation, the APC chairman maintained that the party leadership, led by the governor, would consult widely before arriving at a final decision, urging aspirants to remain committed to party unity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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