I have no intention of imposing candidates, Dapo Abiodun tells APC stakeholders

Governor Dapo Abiodun has said he has no intention of imposing candidates on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, urging aspirants to embrace consensus and respect zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor made the remark on Tuesday during a strategic meeting in Abeokuta with aspirants for the House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and party leaders from the 20 local government areas of the state.

Abiodun emphasised the need for dialogue and compromise, warning that contentious primaries often breed resentment, financial strain, and internal divisions capable of weakening the party’s chances in the general election. “I am not a dictator, and I have no intention of imposing candidates,” he said.

He maintained that grassroots leaders are better positioned to evaluate aspirants and recommend suitable candidates, adding that adopting consensus would help strengthen party cohesion.

The governor also assured aspirants that those who step down in the interest of unity would not be sidelined, noting that similar decisions in the past had been rewarded with government appointments and other opportunities within the party structure.

Reflecting on his political journey, Abiodun said patience and perseverance remain key in politics, noting that he first contested in 1993 but only became governor in 2019.

He clarified that incentives offered to aspirants were not meant to buy loyalty but to appreciate commitment and encourage unity within the party.

Abiodun further reassured stakeholders that candidate selection would be based on broad consultations, stressing that decisions would reflect the collective interest of party members across the state.