Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday called on aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State to respect local government zoning arrangements and embrace consensus-building as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The governor also promised refunds of money spent on nomination forms, as well as appointments for aspirants who fail to secure the party’s ticket or are affected by consensus arrangements.
Abiodun, according to a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, made the appeal during a strategic meeting in Abeokuta with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, alongside party leaders from the state’s 20 local government areas.
Addressing the gathering, the governor stressed that while many party members are qualified to contest, 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.
The governor said, “The zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party,” adding that grassroots leaders are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates.
Abiodun stated, “I am not a dictator and I have no intention of imposing candidates,” noting that decisions would be reached through consultations with stakeholders at the local level.
He warned that contentious primaries often result in bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions that could weaken the party’s electoral prospects, adding that consensus-building would help strengthen cohesion ahead of the polls.
To ease tensions, the governor reportedly “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.
The governor further disclosed that several aspirants who stepped down or aligned with party decisions had already been considered for government appointments, describing the move as a way 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.
He maintained that the incentives were not meant to induce loyalty but to appreciate commitment and strengthen internal cohesion.
Party elders, including Kola Ogunjobi, Olu Agemo, Adekunle Adesina, Gbenga Kaka, and Iyabo Apampa, commended the initiative, describing it as a pragmatic approach to managing internal competition and rewarding loyalty.