Dapo Abiodun pushes for consensus, promises…

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

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

Addressing the gathering, Abiodun stressed that although many members of the party are qualified to contest, only one candidate can emerge for each position. He urged aspirants to prioritize party unity through dialogue and compromise rather than engaging in contentious contests.

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

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

Abiodun warned that contentious primaries often lead to bitterness, financial strains 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 has pledged to reimburse the expenses related to nomination forms to aspirants who do not secure party tickets. He also assured them of compensation and future opportunities within the party.

He also revealed that several aspirants who have resigned or aligned themselves 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.

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Drawing from his political background, Abiodun urged aspirants to remain patient and committed.

“I started running in 1993 and didn’t become governor until 2019. If you don’t get it today, you might get it tomorrow,” he said.

He argued that incentives were not intended 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, praised the initiative, describing it as a pragmatic approach to managing internal competition and rewarding loyalty.

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

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