Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants in the state to respect local government zoning arrangements and support consensus-building as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The governor also assured that aspirants who do not secure party tickets, or who step down as part of consensus agreements, would have their nomination fees refunded. He further promised that some of them would be considered for appointments within the government.
Abiodun made the remarks on Tuesday during a strategic meeting in Abeokuta with aspirants seeking seats in the House of Representatives and the Ogun State House of Assembly, alongside party leaders from all 20 local government areas of the state.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor emphasised that while many party members are qualified, only one candidate can emerge for each position.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise unity and internal harmony, stressing that healthy dialogue and compromise remain essential to the party’s success.
“The zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party,” Abiodun said, adding that grassroots leaders are best positioned to evaluate aspirants and recommend suitable candidates.
The governor also clarified that he had no intention of imposing candidates, noting that decisions would be reached through broad consultation with stakeholders.
“I am not a dictator and I have no intention of imposing candidates,” he said.
He warned that competitive primaries often create bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions, which could weaken the party ahead of elections. According to him, consensus arrangements would help preserve unity and strengthen the APC’s chances at the polls.
To ease tensions among aspirants, Abiodun pledged that those who do not emerge as candidates would have their nomination fees refunded. He also hinted at possible compensation and future political opportunities within the party structure.
The governor disclosed that some aspirants who had previously stepped down in support of party decisions had already been rewarded with appointments, describing the move as part of efforts to retain experienced members and discourage anti-party behaviour.
Reflecting on his political journey, Abiodun urged patience and persistence.
“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.
He added that the measures were not intended as inducements, but as a way of appreciating loyalty and strengthening internal cohesion.
Party elders present at the meeting, including Kola Ogunjobi, Olu Agemo, Adekunle Adesina, Gbenga Kaka, and Iyabo Apampa, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical approach to managing internal competition and maintaining party unity.
