APC tickets will be based on merit, loyalty, says Aiyedatiwa

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said that candidates of the All Progressives Congress for upcoming elections will be selected based on merit and loyalty to the party.

Aiyedatiwa also warned aspirants against desperation and “do-or-die” politics ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled for next month.

The governor spoke on Friday at the APC Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held at the Akure Township Hall.

He said political activities in the state had already gathered momentum, noting that the party’s electoral process would begin with the collection of expressions of interest and nomination forms, followed by screening and appeals where necessary.

“It is not a do-or-die affair. If you are not chosen, do not rock the boat. Remain in the party. One day, an opportunity will come.

“We will use merit, loyalty and winnability to pick APC candidates at the forthcoming primary of our party,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa said the party would adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, depending on what is eventually agreed upon.

He urged aspirants to remain calm and respect party decisions, adding that discipline and unity remained essential to the progress of the APC.

Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, reaffirmed the supremacy of the party and described the governor as the leader of the APC in the state.

Kolawole said the State Working Committee remained fully loyal to the governor and urged aspirants to accept party outcomes with maturity.

He also reiterated the party’s support for President Bola Tinubu.