Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State to respect local government zoning arrangements and embrace consensus-building as the party prepares for forthcoming elections.

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

Addressing the gathering, Abiodun stressed that while many party members are qualified to contest, only one candidate can emerge for each position. He urged aspirants to prioritise party unity through dialogue and compromise rather than engage in divisive contests.

He said zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party, adding that grassroots leaders are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates.

“I am not a dictator and I have no intention of imposing candidates,” the governor said, noting that decisions would be reached through consultations with stakeholders at the local level.

Abiodun warned that contentious primaries often result in bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions that could weaken the party’s electoral chances, adding that consensus-building would help strengthen cohesion ahead of the polls.

To ease tensions, the governor pledged to refund nomination form fees to aspirants who do not secure party tickets. He also assured them of compensation and future opportunities within the party.

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

Drawing from his political journey, Abiodun urged 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.

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

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.

Observers say the move underscores the APC’s strategy in Ogun State to manage internal contestation through consultation, consensus, and strategic appointments as it seeks to maintain unity ahead of the elections.

As the 2027 elections draw near, Nigerians have been urged to take greater responsibility in shaping the nation’s future through informed voting, with a warning that the country may not fully benefit from democracy unless citizens prioritize electing credible leaders.

This advice was given by Chief Toyin Amuzu, an aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who is vying to represent Abeokuta South Federal Constituency as a member of the House of Representatives during a recent engagement in Abeokuta.

The aspirant, popularly known as TA, who said he is waxing stronger in his bid for the 2027 race, expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow pace of development compared to other nations. He noted that his experiences abroad often leave him with a sense of disappointment when he compares Nigeria’s infrastructural and institutional gaps with the progress recorded in more advanced societies.

“I feel ashamed when I travel out and see the level of development in other countries. Nigerians may not truly enjoy democracy until people begin to take voting- in the right individuals as a personal and collective responsibility,” he said.

Amuzu emphasised that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens deliberately choose leaders with proven pedigree, competence, integrity and a genuine fear of God and work with them to achieve certain milestones.

According to him, developed nations have built strong systems through visionary leadership, stressing that Nigeria’s transformation must equally be driven by Nigerians themselves. “Let us work together to build a formidable society and I won’t disappoint you,” he said.

He further argued that while government often bears the brunt of public criticism, citizens also share in the responsibility for poor governance due to their voting patterns.

“We blame the government, but followers are also guilty. Too often, we allow religion, political affiliation and sentiments to determine our choices instead of putting the right peg in the right hole, in this 2027 elections we must shun politics of rice and money. I am here to serve and not make empty promises. I believe we can work together” he stated.

The PDP aspirant lamented what he described as a long-standing trend where “the worst of us have ruled the best of us,” citing a lack of integrity, patriotism and sincerity among many past leaders. He questioned why citizens continue to support leaders who fail to meet their expectations.

The house of Representatives hopeful asked “Why do we support our oppressors and continue to suffer, when we have the power to vote them out?”

Amuzu also decried the persistent lack of basic amenities such as electricity, potable water and good roads, describing them as fundamental responsibilities of government that should not be used as tools for political manipulation.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating actively in the electoral process.

“Things cannot change if we sit down and complain. This is the time to act. Let us seize the opportunity, get our voter cards and vote massively for the right candidates,” he concluded.