…….As APC set to hold zonal, national congress
By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state can deliver one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections through effective grassroots mobilisation.
The governor stated this on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with party leaders, pre-delegates and members at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure, where discussions centred on party unity, mobilisation strategies and preparations for the forthcoming APC zonal and national congresses.
Aiyedatiwa urged party members to intensify efforts at the ward and polling unit levels, stressing that electoral victories are determined at the grassroots rather than through media campaigns.
According to him, “We can achieve one million votes for Mr President in Ondo State if we work together and focus on the grassroots. Go to the wards and polling units; that is where the votes are. Elections are not won on social media or through hype.”
The governor disclosed that the party had concluded its ward, local government and state congresses, noting that the next phase would be the zonal and national congresses.
He announced that the APC zonal congress is scheduled to hold on March 25, while the national congress will take place between March 27 and 28, with accreditation slated for the first day and the main proceedings expected to run overnight into the following day.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the party’s constitution allows for either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, adding that a unity list had already been prepared in consultation with national stakeholders to ensure a seamless process.
He called on members to support decisions taken by party leaders, noting that the consensus approach adopted in earlier congresses had helped maintain stability within the party.
The governor also appealed for sustained loyalty to his administration, describing the government as a product of the collective efforts of party members.
“This is your government. You voted and mobilised others to vote. You should not abandon it. Stand by it and support it,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa further emphasised the need for increased membership registration, urging party members to bring more eligible voters into the APC fold as part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also called for unity among members, advising that personal interests should be set aside once candidates emerge, in order to ensure overall party success.
Highlighting recent amendments to the Electoral Act, the governor noted that internal party processes had been strengthened, making primaries strictly party affairs with minimal external interference.
In his remarks, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Mr Babatunde Kolawole, commended members for their loyalty and support, assuring that the leadership would continue to promote inclusiveness and unity.
Kolawole described the task of repositioning the party as a collective responsibility, stressing that there are no factions within the APC.
He urged members to remain committed and attentive to directives ahead of the zonal and national congresses, expressing optimism that the party would achieve its electoral goals.
“We have one major election ahead, and that is the election of Mr President. It may look challenging, but it is achievable if we work together,” he said.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing the Speaker; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde and Hon. Jimi Odimayo; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo; as well as other party chieftains and political appointees.
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