2027: Abiodun Calls for Unity Within APC, Pledges Reimbursement to Would-Be Candidates

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Monday urged aspirants of the All Progressives Congress to respect local government zoning arrangements and embrace consensus as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

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The governor also promised a refund of money spent on nomination forms and assured appointments for aspirants who fail to secure the party’s ticket or step down under a consensus arrangement.

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Abiodun made the appeal during a strategic meeting with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, alongside party leaders from the 20 local government areas of the state, held in Abeokuta.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor stressed that while many party members are qualified to contest, only one candidate can emerge for each position.

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He urged aspirants to prioritise party unity through dialogue and compromise rather than engage in divisive contests.

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Abiodun said zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guide to promote fairness, equity and inclusion, noting that grassroots leaders are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates.

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He said, “The zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party.

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“I am not a dictator and I have no intention of imposing candidates.”

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He added that decisions would be reached through consultations with stakeholders at the local level.

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The governor warned that contentious primaries often lead to bitterness, financial strain and internal divisions capable of weakening the party’s electoral chances.

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He said consensus-building would help strengthen cohesion ahead of the polls.

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The statement noted that the governor “pledged to refund nomination form fees to aspirants who do not secure party tickets”.

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He also assured them of compensation and future opportunities within the party.

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He disclosed that several aspirants who stepped down or aligned with party decisions had already been considered for government appointments, describing the move as a strategy to retain experienced members and discourage anti-party activities.

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Drawing from his political journey, the governor urged aspirants to remain patient and committed.

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“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.

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He added that the incentives were not meant to induce loyalty but to appreciate commitment and strengthen internal cohesion within the party.

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Party elders, including Kola Ogunjobi, Olu Agemo, Adekunle Adesina, Gbenga Kaka and Iyabo Apampa, commended the initiative, describing it as a pragmatic approach to managing internal competition and rewarding loyalty.

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