Ondo Poll: No Automatic Ticket For Aiyedatiwa – APC

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) announced that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa won’t receive an automatic ticket for the November 16, 2024 governorship poll in Ondo State.

APC also clarified that it hasn’t decided whether the governorship ticket will be zoned in the state.

The party’s National Spokesman, Felix Morka revealed this on Thursday during Channels Television’s Politics Today program. Mr Morka emphasised that the ruling party is democratic, and anyone seeking nomination must earn it.

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When asked about giving Aiyedatiwa the right of first refusal before the APC’s primary for the November poll, Morka stated that the party hadn’t discussed.

“It’s not up to us to judge their suitability, qualifications, or criteria; it’s up to the state’s people, our members participating in the direct or indirect primary.

“Any preferences are subject to the democratic decision of party members in our primaries. In the APC, we don’t give gifts; we contest, compete, and earn what we can in terms of representation,” he added.

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Morka also mentioned he can’t predict if the governorship ticket will be zoned in Ondo. 

Aiyedatiwa, a former deputy governor was sworn in as the substantive governor of Ondo state on December 27, 2023, following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

There are indications that Aiyedatiwa might show interest in the 2024 governorship election in the state. 

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Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed the Ondo State Governorship Poll for November 16, 2024, barring last-minute changes.

Mr Aiyedatiwa will complete Akeredolu’s second term by February 2025 and he is constitutionally permitted to run for office with his name on the ballot and remain the governor of the state even for eight more years if the electorate so decides.