Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have cautioned the party’s state and national leadership against imposing candidates in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
The party chieftains stressed that aspirants emerging from the forthcoming primaries must be loyal members with strong grassroots appeal to ensure effective representation and electoral success.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting held in Akure on Sunday. The document was signed by the group’s chairman, Mr Tony Ala, and other party leaders in the area.
According to the communiqué, the leaders urged the party hierarchy to prioritise credibility, competence, and popularity in the selection of candidates, warning that the imposition of unpopular aspirants could undermine the party’s chances at the polls.
They also reiterated calls for the next governor of the state to emerge from Akure, noting that the state capital should be given the opportunity to produce a successor to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“The leaders firmly rejected the imposition of automatic tickets for any aspirants in the Akure region and emphasised that only credible, competent, and widely acceptable aspirants should emerge for elective positions,” the communiqué stated.
It added that the group had resolved to work towards positioning a qualified indigene of Akure for the governorship after the expiration of Aiyedatiwa’s tenure.
For the National Assembly and state assembly primaries, the leaders endorsed a former aide to the governor, Mr Oluwafemi Fadairo, for the Akure North/Akure South House of Representatives seat, and a former Director of Administration in the Senate, Adeola Fynch, for the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akure South Constituency I.
They said the endorsements were based on the aspirants’ loyalty to the party, grassroots connection, and perceived capacity to deliver effective representation.
The APC leaders also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa, commending his inclusive style of governance and efforts to sustain unity within the party in the state.
They further pledged support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“We commend the governor’s inclusive leadership and people-oriented policies and reaffirm our commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to advance his administration,” the communiqué added.
“We also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa in recognition of his leadership qualities, strategic foresight, and dedication to the progress of Ondo State.”
Meanwhile, an Akure indigene, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, had previously contested the governorship election twice on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2016 and 2020 but lost both attempts to the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
