— As gov meets Northern APC Stakeholders

—- Warns against political violence

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, has appealed to aspirants of the All Progressives Congress to embrace consensus and avoid internal rivalries capable of weakening the party.

Aiyedatiwa said this at the Northern Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held in Owo, where he said ambition is legitimate in politics but must not override collective interest.

According to him ” It is good to aspire for a position, very good. But the position you are vying for, you are not the only one.

“There are other people also showing interest. That office is for one person at a time.

The governor explained that the APC allows both consensus arrangements and direct primaries in candidate selection, noting that consensus would be prioritised where agreement is achievable among stakeholders.

“A consensus is preferred, but where it cannot be achieved, we go for direct primaries. We will engage our stakeholders, the leadership and the aspirants to see reason why we should go by consensus,” he stated.

Aiyedatiwa urged aspirants to remain patient and politically mature, warning that disunity at the primary level could have long-term consequences for the party.

He said “That is the only way we can maintain peace and go into the election as one. It will be easier for us to win elections that way

The governor assured all aspirants that their participation had been duly noted, stressing that none would be disregarded after the selection process.

“You have given yourself visibility. We have seen you, we have taken notes. The party chairman in your local government has the list of all aspirants. We have your names in our database. We will not forget you,”

“There is always a reward for loyalty and consistency. Maintain that, no matter how long it will take, your time will come,” he added.

Aiyedatiwa also warned against a return to political violence, referencing past incidents of unrest, and insisted that the current political environment would not tolerate such behaviour.

On security, Aiyedatiwa said security agencies have continued to respond proactively to threats, and expressed confidence that there would be no room for terrorist attacks in the state.

He pointed out that his administration had strengthened intelligence-driven security operations, resulting in improved crime response, particularly in kidnapping-prone border communities.

The governor explained that the stakeholders’ engagement was part of a quarterly expanded consultation framework designed to improve governance feedback and deepen grassroots participation.

He said decentralising the meetings across senatorial districts was intended to enhance inclusiveness and bring governance closer to the people.

Aiyedatiwa added that infrastructure development, particularly road rehabilitation, is ongoing alongside sustained security interventions across the state.

In his remarks, APC State Chairman Hon. Babatunde Kolawole urged party members to remain committed to discipline and party directives, stressing that unity remains non-negotiable.

Kolawole said the party would ultimately present a single candidate for each elective position despite the large number of aspirants, and urged members to accept whoever emerges through consensus or primaries as directed by party leadership.

In his welcome address, APC Vice Chairman for the Northern Senatorial District, Olukayode Adejoro, commended the governor, noting that his leadership is gaining widespread acceptance.

Adejoro highlighted development efforts in the district, including the reopening of the Ikare mosque, road rehabilitation projects, and the ongoing dualisation of the Ikare/Akungba road.

He also said improved security, supported by the Amotekun Corps, had reduced kidnapping incidents in the area.

In their goodwill messages, Kolade Folawummi from Akoko North East/North West, and Senator Remi Okunrinboye from Owo/Ose commended the governor for the stakeholders’ engagement and his developmental strides in the state.