The All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the possibility of granting an automatic ticket to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, affirmed on Channels Television’s Politics Today program that there will be no preferential treatment, stressing that an automatic ticket is not under consideration.
He described APC as a democratic platform, adding any aspirant itching for nomination should earn it.
The Global News had reported that Aiyedatiwa, former deputy governor, succeeded late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed on last month.
The governor is believed to be eyeing the governorship ticket of the party.
In addition to the governor, at least eight other aspirants are gearing up for the primary election.
The contenders for the primary election comprise Secretary to the Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Finance Commissioner Wale Akinterinwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Ife Oyedele, and Isaacs Kekemeke.
Meanwhile, the party’s spokesman stated that Aiyedatiwa will not be given the right of first refusal ahead of the shadow poll.
Morka said: “We have not had that discussion, but we are a democratic party. W are a progress party; we don’t give anything to people. Pople have to justify and earn it.
“And it is not to us they have to justify their suitability, their 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 and we compete and we win whatever it is we can get in terms of representation.”