Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to respect local government zoning arrangements and embrace consensus-building as the party prepares for its primaries. The governor also made a direct financial offer to those who might be persuaded to step aside, promising to refund the money spent on nomination forms by aspirants who do not eventually secure the party’s ticket, while also offering to compensate them with future political appointments.
Abiodun made the appeal on Tuesday during a strategic meeting held in Abeokuta with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, alongside party leaders from the state’s 20 local government areas. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor stressed that while many party members are qualified to contest elective offices, only one candidate can emerge for each position. He urged aspirants to prioritise party unity through dialogue and compromise rather than engage in divisive contests that often lead to bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions capable of weakening the APC’s electoral chances.
The governor, who insisted that he is not a dictator and has no intention of imposing candidates, noted that decisions would be reached through consultations with grassroots leaders who are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates. He explained that zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party, adding that consensus-building would help strengthen cohesion ahead of the polls.
To ease tensions and reward loyalty, Abiodun pledged to refund nomination form fees to aspirants who do not secure party tickets. He also assured them of compensation and future opportunities within the party, disclosing that several aspirants who stepped down or aligned with party decisions in the past have already been considered for government appointments. He described the move as a strategy to retain experienced members and discourage anti-party activities.
Drawing from his political journey, Abiodun urged aspirants to remain patient and committed. “I started contesting in 1993 and only became governor in 2019. If you don’t get it today, you may get it tomorrow,” he said, adding that the incentives were not meant to induce loyalty but to appreciate commitment and strengthen internal cohesion.
The meeting was attended by several prominent party elders, including Kola Ogunjobi, Olu Agemo, Adekunle Adesina, Gbenga Kaka, and Iyabo Apampa, who all commended the governor’s initiative, describing it as a pragmatic approach to managing internal competition and rewarding loyalty. Observers say the move underscores the APC’s overarching strategy in Ogun State to manage internal contestation through consultation, consensus, and strategic appointments as it seeks to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
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