By Adesakin Adefemi
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged All Progressives Congress aspirants to embrace consensus-building and respect local government zoning arrangements as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. The appeal was made on Tuesday during a strategic meeting in Abeokuta with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, as well as party leaders from the state’s 20 local government areas.
Abiodun said while many party members are qualified to contest, only one candidate can emerge for each position, making dialogue and compromise essential to preserving unity. He stressed that zoning across local governments would provide a framework for fairness, equity, and inclusion, while grassroots leaders remain best placed to recommend suitable candidates.
The governor also promised financial and political compensation to aspirants who fail to secure the party’s ticket or are affected by consensus arrangements. According to him, nomination form fees will be refunded, and those who step down or align with party decisions will be considered for government appointments to retain experience and discourage anti-party activities.
“I am not a dictator, and I have no intention of imposing candidates,” Abiodun stated, noting that final decisions would be reached through consultations with stakeholders at the local level. He warned that contentious primaries often breed bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions that could weaken the party’s chances at the polls.
Drawing from his own political journey, the governor encouraged aspirants to remain patient and committed. “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, framing the incentives as recognition of loyalty rather than inducement.
The initiative has drawn praise from party elders, including Kola Ogunjobi, Olu Agemo, Adekunle Adesina, Gbenga Kaka, and Iyabo Apampa, who described it as a pragmatic way to manage competition and reward dedication. They said the approach could help sustain cohesion within the Ogun APC ahead of a crucial election cycle.
Abiodun’s stance contrasts with growing resistance to consensus arrangements in neighbouring Oyo State, where APC stakeholders have rejected any attempt to impose candidates. The difference highlights varied strategies within the party as it navigates internal dynamics ahead of 2027.
Political analysts note that consensus-building, if properly managed, can reduce friction and costs associated with primaries but may also raise concerns about transparency and inclusivity. In Ogun, the governor appears to be betting on trust and incentives to keep aspirants on board.
As alignments take shape across the Southwest, Abiodun’s approach signals an early effort to consolidate the APC’s structure in Ogun. With 2027 still two years away, the success of the strategy will depend on whether aspirants view the compensation as genuine support or as a way to suppress open contests.
