By SEGUN GIWA

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Sunday said he had not endorsed, approved or promised any elective ticket to any aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This is as he cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo against rumours capable of causing division within the party.

Aiyedatiwa stated this while addressing leaders and members of APC at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure.

The governor said the clarification became necessary due to insinuations in the political space as preparations for party primaries approached.

“Let me clearly emphasise that I have not promised anyone a ticket, either for the state Assembly or National Assembly, and I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket,” he said.

He noted that the process of selecting candidates would involve all party leaders, while consensus arrangements would be explored where possible.

The governor urged members to remain disciplined, united and warned that actions capable of emboldening factions would undermine the progress already recorded by APC in the state.

According to him, APC remains the only viable political party in Ondo State, so members should work together to further develop the state.

Aiyedatiwa also underscored the importance of the ongoing electronic membership registration, describing it as critical to the party’s future.

He said the meeting was convened to mobilise leaders across wards and local governments ahead of the Jan. 31 deadline.

He disclosed that Ondo State had registered 128,770 members so far, ranking third in the South-West zone, while efforts were ongoing to address challenges related to National Identification Number (NIN) registration and logistics.

Also, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Dr Isaac Kekemeke, commended the level of urban renewal in Akure and praised the governor for efforts at uniting all tendencies within the party.

Similarly, the state APC caretaker chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, urged members to remain united, and described APC as the most dominant political party in the country.

In goodwill messages, party leaders and lawmakers commended the governor’s performance and called for sustained development and unity within the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; top government officials; federal and state lawmakers; political appointees and other APC leaders.(NAN)

Update news