APC conducts peaceful state congress in Ondo, inaugurates new leadership

…….Gov Aiyedatiwa hails party unity

…….Babatunde promises inclusive leadership

By Precious Oluwole

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday successfully concluded its 2026 state congress, culminating in the swearing-in of its newly elected executives, in a demonstration of unity, organisation and democratic discipline.

The event, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, attracted a large turnout of party members, leaders, security agencies and INEC observers, reflecting the party’s cohesion and resilience.

Representing Governor Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, described the congress as a significant moment for the party, noting that the orderly proceedings demonstrated the strength of the APC despite recent challenges.

He recalled that the party had faced a court injunction days earlier, which initially threatened to disrupt its activities.

The governor commended the National Working Committee for swiftly setting up reconciliation mechanisms that brought aggrieved members and leaders on board, resolved disputes and led to the eventual vacation of the injunction, allowing the congress to proceed peacefully.

Aiyedatiwa praised party leaders and members for their understanding and commitment to unity, emphasising that disagreements were natural in a large political family, but what mattered most was the ability to resolve them amicably.

He expressed confidence in their ability to build on the achievements of the previous leadership, strengthen internal democracy, ensure fairness, justice and unity among members and advance the party’s development.

He further lauded the peaceful conduct of the congress, noting that it sent a positive signal about the discipline and organisation within the APC.

According to him, the orderly process reflected the party’s commitment to democratic values and internal stability.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, congratulated members of the party and described the congress as a reaffirmation of the APC’s shared values of progress, fairness and unity.

He said he was deeply honoured to serve as chairman of the exercise, describing it as a reflection of the party’s democratic strength.

Obiekwe said the congress represented the strength of the party’s enduring democracy and its collective resolve to build a political platform that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people.

The chairman commended aspirants for their courage and commitment to service, stressing that leadership should be viewed as service rather than a title.

He urged the contestants to conduct themselves with maturity, respect and responsibility, adding that political competition should strengthen the party rather than divide it.

According to him, members must be prepared to work together for the greater good of democracy after the exercise.

Obiekwe also appreciated the presence of security agencies, party officials, and observers, noting that their cooperation was critical to the success of the congress.

“As we proceed, let us remember that the future of our party is bigger than any ambition. Let peace guide our actions, unity shape our decisions and progress remain our ultimate goal,” he said.

He expressed hope that the congress would produce leaders who would strengthen the party and position it for greater victories ahead.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, said the new leadership would leverage the wisdom of party leaders and the energy and dynamism of the youth to strengthen the party, particularly as it prepares for forthcoming elections.

Kolawole assured members that under the leadership of the governor, the party would continue to grow stronger.

He said the party had enjoyed the support of the governor and pledged that the new leadership would build on that backing.

He added that he and other members of the state executive would work to unite all members of the party, stressing that there would be no faction within the party from now on.

Kolawole also promised that every member would be given a level playing field.

“My duty is very simple. It is to ensure that we work for the party and give the necessary support in ensuring that our agenda is realisable,” he said.

He described the development as a new dawn for the party in the state and appreciated members for attending the event.

The newly sworn-in executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State are Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde, State Chairman; Olabamidele Olanubi, State Deputy Chairman; Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye, State Secretary; and Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye, State Assistant Secretary. The zonal vice chairmen are Chief Jamiu Olarewaju Adejoro (I), Kayode Samuel Famuyiwa (II), and Hon. Bode Ikulala (III). Babalola Olutayo and Olugbenga Adebowale Olanipekun were elected State Legal Adviser and Assistant Legal Adviser, while Perebo Pesta Monde and Hon. Idowu Oniye occupy the roles of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Thalis Olonite Apalowo and Adedinni Tosin serve as Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary.

The organisational and publicity structure includes Oladoyin Taiwo Adefemi, State Organising Secretary; Akinde Rotimi Vincent, Assistant Organising Secretary; Muyide Adeyeluwa Kayode, Publicity Secretary; and Hon. Oyekan Durojaye, Assistant Publicity Secretary. Welfare positions were filled by Rev. Folagbade Stephen Olusegun and Hon. Josephine Akinsiku. Joseph Gbenga Akinrinlola and Smart Aribignola were elected Auditor and Assistant Auditor. Erelu Oluwayemisi Comedy Iji and Hon. Adedeji Foluke Omowumi are State Woman Leader and Assistant, while Adedeji Clement Opeyemi and Oladodonye Victor Gbenga are State Youth Leader and Assistant. Engr. Babatunde Igbalajobi is State Special Leader. Senior Youth Leader positions went to Oluwole Olugbode (I), Faloye Olarenwaju (II), and Oriade Abiodun Taofeek (III), while Senior Women Leader roles are held by Abiola Mary Oluwamodupe (I), Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Oluwadare (II), and Funmileyi Omogbemi (III). The Ex-Officio members are Ijaleye Samson Olufemi, Sogo Ajikiola, Omosebi Toba, and Alhaji Fatai Olawale.