Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday declared that candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections in the state would be selected based on merit, loyalty and winnability, warning against desperation and do-or-die politics within the party.

With the governor vowing to secure one million votes for President Bola Tinubu and the APC in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 presidential election, he disosed that the target is realistic and can be met if everyone works together and develops a solid strategy.

Aiyedatiwa, who stated this at a meeting with stakeholders from the APC Central Senatorial District, which took place at the Akure Township Hall, stressed that unity and discipline are essential for winning elections.

The governor disclosed that political activities across the state had already gained momentum, explaining that the electoral process would begin with the collection of expression of interest and nomination forms, followed by screening and appeals where necessary and thereafter either direct primaries or consensus arrangements as determined by the party.

He further revealed that the party leadership is already engaging aspirants across various levels to promote consensus building, stressing that only one candidate would emerge for each position and that the era of unbridled ambition undermining party cohesion was over.

Aiyedatiwa cautioned aspirants against treating politics as a do-or-die affair, urging them to conduct honest self-assessment and exercise restraint in pursuit of ambition, noting that not everyone could win at the same time.

“It is not a do-or-die affair. If you are not chosen, do not rock the boat. Remain in the party. One day, opportunity will come,” the governor stated.

Recalling his own political journey, the governor said he once contested for the Senate in 2018 and lost but remained in the party, adding that patience and loyalty eventually yielded opportunities that his impatience would have cost him.

The governor also warned against defection, insisting that members who fail to secure party tickets should remain loyal rather than leave the APC, as exit from the party would not guarantee a smoother path to political office.

He further revealed that the APC had expanded its stakeholder structure from 10 to 60 leaders per local government to deepen inclusiveness, adding that consultations had been decentralised into senatorial districts to enhance grassroots participation in decision-making.

Reaffirming the party’s strategic goal, the governor said the APC remains focused on retaining power at both state and national levels, urging members to support Tinubu based on performance rather than sentiment.

He listed key federal projects in Ondo State, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Ore–Akure dualisation, the Akure North axis road and the Ibadan–Ilesa–Akure–Benin highway, alongside improved federal allocations and student loan schemes, as evidence of tangible governance delivery under the current administration.

The APC State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, reaffirmed party supremacy and declared that Aiyedatiwa remains the leader of the party in the state, with all structures answerable to his leadership.

Kolawole stated that his role as chairman is strictly organisational, stressing that ultimate authority in the party rests with the governor and that no factional loyalty would be tolerated under his watch.

He assured that the State Working Committee remains fully loyal to the governor, warning against any form of divided allegiance that could threaten the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls.