…..Rejects automatic ticket, insists on primaries
….. Party Chairman allays fear on consensus
By Dayo Johnson Akure
Alex Oluremi Ajipe, a frontline aspirant for the Ondo North Senatorial District seat, says fairness and equity require that Owo/Ose produces the next senator after nearly 20 years of exclusion.
Ajipe made the case on Saturday during a visit to the APC Secretariat in Akure, where he formally informed the Ondo State Executives of his intention to contest in the 2027 general elections.
The industrialist, who lost the party’s 2023 senatorial primaries to incumbent Senator Jide Ipinsagba but later served in Tinubu’s Campaign Organisation, urged party leaders to ensure justice and inclusiveness. He rejected automatic tickets for serving lawmakers and called for a level playing field.
“I have paid my dues in this party since 1998, from AD to AC, ACN and now APC,” Ajipe said. “When it comes to party empowerment, nobody has empowered the party more than I have.”
He argued that Akoko has held the Senate seat for four straight terms — 16 uninterrupted years — while Owo/Ose has been left out for two decades. “It is only fair that it returns to Owo/Ose. Our people will not condone being sidelined,” he said.
Ajipe clarified he was not alleging marginalisation yet, but relaying concerns from consultations across Owo/Ose. He also declined to assess Ipinsagba’s performance, saying “the people will judge.”
Beyond politics, he cited a $4 million investment in Ondo State, close ties with traditional rulers, and his role in stabilising the party during congress disputes. During the visit, he donated a Toyota Sienna to the state chapter to support operations.
He flagged the poor state of the Owo–Ipele–Isua–Akunnu–Kabba road as a priority, calling it vital to Ondo North’s economy. Reviving assets like the cattle ranch along the axis, he added, would create jobs.
On zoning and primaries, Ajipe insisted the national secretariat had ruled out automatic tickets. “We have a President who came through primaries. If he was not allowed to contest, would he be there today? Everyone should be given a fair chance.”
Responding, Ondo APC Chairman Hon. Babatunde Kolawole promised all aspirants a level playing field in line with the party’s constitution. He said the party receives aspirants but does not endorse, noting that the governor, as state leader, holds that authority.
“The party is known for consensus. We’ve used it at the national convention, for zonal officers, and at the state level,” Kolawole said. “We have listened to Chief Alex Ajipe, and we will listen to other aspirants. At the end, we will recommend who best represents the interest of the party and the people.”
He dismissed fears over primaries versus consensus, saying members trust leadership decisions. Local endorsements, he added, do not make one the candidate: “The final decision rests with the leadership, which is the governor of the state.”
Article 2027: Ajipe declares for Ondo North Senate, demands Owo/Ose turn after 20 years Live On NgGossips.
