According to **Premium Times**, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has introduced a unique peace-offering to All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants by promising to refund their nomination form fees if they do not secure the party’s ticket. Speaking at a strategic meeting in Abeokuta, the governor urged aspirants to embrace consensus and respect local zoning arrangements to prevent internal divisions.
Abiodun warned that contentious primaries often lead to financial strain and “anti-party activities,” promising that those who step down will be considered for future government appointments. He emphasized that he has no intention of being a “dictator” and that all decisions would be reached through stakeholder consultations at the local government level.
**Daily Post** reported that “Abiodun is using financial incentives to maintain party cohesion,” while **The Nation** noted the governor’s plea that “if you don’t get it today, you may get it tomorrow.”
**Echotitbits take:** This “refund policy” is a pragmatic, albeit unusual, way to lower the stakes of political competition. It acknowledges that the high cost of entry is a major driver of political desperation; watch to see if other governors adopt this “Ogun Model” to manage their own party crises.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/2027-abiodun-urges-apc-consensus-offers-refund-to-aspirants/, May 5, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
