The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has unequivocally declared that there will be no automatic ticket for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.
APC’s national spokesman, Felix Morka, made this revelation during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, challenging the widely anticipated speculation.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) setting the Ondo State Governorship Poll for November 16, 2024, Morka emphasized the party’s commitment to democracy, stating that every aspirant must earn their nomination.
Pressed on whether Aiyedatiwa would be granted the right of first refusal, Morka responded, “We don’t give anything to people; people have to justify and earn it. We contest, we compete, and we win whatever it is we can get in terms of representation.”
Highlighting the democratic nature of the party, Morka underscored that decisions about suitability, qualifications, and criteria lie in the hands of the party members participating in the primaries.
Morka remained tight-lipped on whether the governorship ticket would be zoned in Ondo, stating, “We are yet to engage on zoning. We will explain to the people if and when we do that.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office following the tragic passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, faces uncertainty about an automatic ticket. While constitutionally permitted to run for another term, the APC’s stance indicates a departure from traditional expectations in the Ondo political landscape.
