National News – Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared that candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State will emerge strictly on merit, loyalty, and electoral viability ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled for May 2026.
Speaking on Friday in Akure at a stakeholders’ meeting, the governor warned aspirants against “do-or-die” politics, urging them to respect the outcome of the selection process.
He outlined that the process will begin with the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms, followed by screening and possible appeals.
According to him, the party may adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, depending on internal agreements.
From a political standpoint, Aiyedatiwa’s remarks reflect a growing concern within the APC over internal divisions that often trail primaries.
By emphasising loyalty and discipline, the governor appears to be preempting post-primary defections and factional crises that have historically weakened party cohesion in the state.
His insistence on “winnability” also signals a strategic shift toward candidates with strong grassroots appeal rather than purely elite backing.
Local reactions among party members have been mixed.
While some grassroots supporters in Akure welcomed the merit-based approach as a fair system, others expressed scepticism, arguing that “consensus” arrangements in Nigerian politics sometimes favour entrenched interests.
A party youth leader at the meeting noted that transparency in screening would ultimately determine whether the process is truly credible.
The implications of this stance extend beyond Ondo.
With the APC preparing for broader electoral contests, including the 2027 general elections, the handling of primaries in key states like Ondo could shape public perception of the party’s internal democracy.
Analysts suggest that a credible process could strengthen voter confidence, while disputes may hand opposition parties an advantage.
Ultimately, Aiyedatiwa’s message is clear: party unity must take precedence over individual ambition.
Whether that principle holds through the primaries will be a major test of the APC’s organisational strength in the months ahead.
