Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on aspirants within the All Progressives Congress in the state to embrace zoning arrangements and prioritise consensus-building as the party prepares for forthcoming elections.
The governor made the appeal during a strategic meeting in Abeokuta, where he met with aspirants for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly, alongside party leaders drawn from all 20 local government areas in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Abiodun acknowledged the large pool of qualified aspirants but reminded them that only one candidate can emerge for each position. He urged members to avoid divisive contests and instead adopt dialogue and compromise as tools for strengthening party unity.
“I am not a dictator and I have no intention of imposing candidates,” he said, emphasising that decisions would be reached through consultations with stakeholders at the grassroots level.
He explained that zoning arrangements would guide the selection process, ensuring fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party. According to him, local leaders are best positioned to evaluate aspirants and recommend suitable candidates based on community dynamics.
The governor warned that contentious primaries often lead to bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions that could weaken the party’s chances at the polls. He stressed that consensus-building offers a more strategic path to maintaining cohesion and electoral strength.
To reduce tensions among aspirants, Abiodun pledged to refund nomination form fees to those who do not secure party tickets. He also assured them of compensation and future opportunities within the party structure.
He disclosed that some aspirants who previously stepped down or aligned with party decisions have already been rewarded with government appointments, describing the approach as a way to retain experienced members and discourage anti-party activities.
Drawing from his personal political journey, the governor encouraged aspirants to remain patient and committed to the party.
“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 clarified that the incentives being offered are not meant to buy loyalty but to recognise commitment and reinforce unity within the party.
Party elders, including Kola Ogunjobi, Olu Agemo, Adekunle Adesina, Gbenga Kaka, and Iyabo Apampa, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical and forward-looking strategy for managing internal competition.
Observers believe the move reflects a deliberate effort by the APC in Ogun State to balance internal interests through consultation, consensus, and strategic appointments, as it seeks to maintain unity ahead of the elections.
