Ondo guber: APC rules out automatic ticket for Aiyedatiwa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ruled out an automatic ticket for Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, for the forthcoming election in the state.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, Felix Morka, spokesperson of the party, said members will decide who will get the governorship ticket.

The Ondo governorship election is scheduled for November 16, 2024.

In December 2023, Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor of Ondo following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of the state.

By law, Aiyedatiwa is expected to complete the joint tenure of the late Akeredolu and himself, which ends in February 2025.

Aiyedatiwa is also eligible to contest the November 16 governorship election in the state.

Asked whether APC will offer Aiyedatiwa the right of first refusal on the governorship ticket, Morka said the party has not had such a discussion, adding that the party follows democratic principles.

The APC spokesperson said the party does not give “free gifts” and that “positions are meant to be contested”.

“We have not had that discussion, but we are a democratic and progressive party. We don’t give anything to people; people have to justify and earn it,” Morka said.

“It is not to us (referring to APC executives); they have to justify their suitability, qualification, or criteria; it is to the people of the state who are our members, who would participate in the direct or indirect primary.

“Whatever preference anyone may have, it is all subject to the democratic decision of the party members who will participate in our primaries.

“We don’t give free gifts in APC. We contest, compete, and win whatever it is we can get in terms of representation.”