Abiodun Calls for APC Consensus, Promises Refunds and Appointments for 2027 Aspirants
Abeokuta, Ogun State – As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on aspirants within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prioritize party unity by embracing consensus and respecting local government zoning arrangements. The governor also offered a significant incentive, pledging to refund money spent on nomination forms and assure government appointments for aspirants who forgo contests or step down under a consensus deal.
Governor Abiodun made this appeal during a strategic meeting held Monday in Abeokuta with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, alongside key party leaders from the state’s 20 local government areas. In a statement issued Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun underscored the need for dialogue and compromise, stressing that while many party members are qualified, only one candidate can emerge per position.
Promoting Unity Through Zoning and Dialogue
"I am not a dictator and I have no intention of imposing candidates," Governor Abiodun affirmed, assuring that decisions would be reached through extensive consultations with stakeholders at the local level. He highlighted that zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a crucial framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party, noting that grassroots leaders are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates.
The governor warned against the pitfalls of contentious primaries, which he described as often leading to bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions capable of weakening the party’s electoral prospects. He maintained that consensus-building is a vital strategy to strengthen cohesion ahead of the polls and prevent anti-party activities.
Incentives for Party Loyalty and Cohesion
Abiodun elaborated on the benefits of the proposed incentive package, explaining that the refund of nomination fees and the promise of compensation or future opportunities within the party are designed to appreciate commitment and retain experienced members. He cited instances where several aspirants who had previously stepped down or aligned with party decisions were subsequently considered for government appointments, demonstrating the viability of this strategy.
Drawing from his own extensive political journey, which began in 1993 and culminated in his governorship in 2019, Governor Abiodun urged aspirants to remain patient and committed. "If you don’t get it today, you may get it tomorrow," he advised, emphasizing that the incentives were not meant to induce loyalty but to acknowledge dedication and reinforce internal party strength.
Party elders present at the meeting, including Kola Ogunjobi, Olu Agemo, Adekunle Adesina, Gbenga Kaka, and Iyabo Apampa, lauded the governor’s initiative. They described it as a pragmatic and commendable approach to effectively manage internal competition and reward loyalty within the APC. The move is widely seen as an attempt to foster a harmonious political climate within the ruling party in Ogun State as it gears up for the 2027 elections.