…….Says there’ll be no division in APC under his watch
Gov Aiyedatiwa commends consensus, sacrifice at APC congress
……..Says APC remains platform for inclusive governance
By Precious Oluwole
Hon. Kolawole Babatunde on Tuesday, emerged as the Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress following the party’s state congress, marking the beginning of a new leadership phase for the ruling party in the state.
The Congress was held at the International Culture and Events Center, the Dome, with all party leaders and members in attendance.
In his acceptance speech, titled A New Dawn of Unity and Progress, the newly elected Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde pledged transparent, disciplined and inclusive leadership, declaring that the era of internal division in the party must end.
He described his election as a collective victory and a reaffirmation of the APC’s strength and commitment to internal democracy.
Expressing gratitude to Almighty God, Babatunde quoted Romans 9:16 to underscore what he described as divine intervention in his emergence.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing a level playing field for all contestants, citing John Locke to stress that “the end of law is to preserve and enlarge freedom.”
Babatunde assured the governor that under his leadership, the party would remain united, organised and committed to supporting the administration’s vision and policies.
Addressing fellow contestants, he said: “There is no winner or loser in this exercise. I am for all, and against none,” emphasising that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.
He further pledged to energise grassroots structures, empower youths with responsibility and structure, elevate women into leadership positions, and strengthen elders by honouring their wisdom and experience.
Babatunde stressed that the party must become a fortress of unity, a platform for inclusion, a machine of discipline and strategy, and a home for every loyal member.
Speaking during the Congress, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa commended members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for embracing consensus and demonstrating political maturity at the party’s congress, describing the process as a strong affirmation of unity and internal democracy.
He congratulated newly elected and confirmed party executives, applauding members who willingly stepped down their ambitions to allow harmony to prevail.
He said such sacrifices reflected genuine loyalty to the party and a shared commitment to collective progress over personal interests.
“Today’s congress is an affirmation of our shared commitment to party supremacy, unity and inclusiveness in party politics,” he stated. “The APC remains a party built on structure, order and collective responsibility.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that personal ambitions must always align with the broader interests of the party, stressing that stability within the APC would strengthen governance across the state.
He insisted that there was no division within the party, declaring that the APC remained united, disciplined and focused on its goals.
“There is no crack in the APC. We are united, we are inclusive and we are committed to moving forward together,” the governor said.
The Governor charged the newly elected executives to work tirelessly in strengthening grassroots structures, mobilising support and consolidating the party’s gains across the state. He urged them to promote internal democracy and sustain the spirit of dialogue and cooperation at all levels.
According to him, a strong party structure remains the backbone of a successful government, adding that the APC would continue to serve as a platform for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Aiyedatiwa also called on youths, women, professionals, farmers and community leaders to actively participate in the party’s activities, noting that broader participation would further deepen democracy and expand opportunities for citizens.
He encouraged members to support the party’s e-registration initiative to boost membership and enhance internal coordination.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to order, security and the rule of law, the governor assured the party faithful of continued efforts to deliver responsive governance.
He concluded by urging members to reject misinformation, strengthen unity and remain steadfast in their support for the APC at both state and national levels, expressing confidence that collective dedication would ensure greater progress for the party and the people.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Congress Committee, Ogonna Obiekwe noted that the Congress represents the strength of internal democracy, political resolve to build a party that reflects the goals and aspirations of the citizens.
He urged the delegates to conduct themselves with maturity, respect and cooperation. “Political competition should spread in our party, not to the migrants. At the end of this exercise, we must all be willing to work together for the greater good of APC and that of Ondo State.
“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 positions and progress the men and women of the world.
“May this Congress produce leaders who will strengthen the APC system and position it for greater benefits”, he concluded.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ondo APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, described the exercise as more than an election, noting that it affirms the party’s shared values of discipline, progress, fairness and unity.
He commended aspirants for their courage and commitment, urging them to act with maturity, respect and sportsmanship, and emphasised that political competition should strengthen the party, not divide it.
Obiekwe also thanked security agencies, party officials and observers for their presence, and expressed hope that the congress would produce leaders who would strengthen the APC and position it for greater victories. He acknowledged Governor Aiyedatiwa’s support during the committee’s tenure in the state.
The newly elected executives for the 2026 Ondo State APC Congress are:
State Chairman: Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde
State Deputy Chairman: Olabamidele Olanubi
State Secretary: Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye
State Assistant Secretary: Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye
State Zonal Vice Chairman I: Chief Jamiu Olarewaju Adejoro
State Zonal Vice Chairman II: Kayode Samuel Famuyiwa
State Zonal Vice Chairman III: Hon. Bode Ikulala
State Legal Adviser: Babalola Olutayo
State Assistant Legal Adviser: Tijani Mohammed Salau
State Treasurer: Perebo Pesta Monde
State Assistant Treasurer: Olotu Adekiya Jeremiah
State Financial Secretary: Adewumi Solomon
State Assistant Financial Secretary: Adedinni Tosin
State Organising Secretary: Oladoyin Taiwo Adefemi
State Assistant Organising Secretary: Agboola Adelanke Omotayo
State Publicity Secretary: Muyide Adeyeluwa Kayode
State Assistant Publicity Secretary: Hon. Oyekan Durojaye
State Welfare Secretary: Rev. Folagbade Stephen Olusegun
State Assistant Welfare Secretary: Mrs. Abiola Fayehun
State Auditor: Joseph Gbenga Akinrinlola
State Assistant Auditor: Taiwo Alaba Victor
State Woman Leader: Erelu Oluwayemisi Comedy IJ
State Assistant Woman Leader: Hon. Adedeji Foluke Omowumi
State Youth Leader: Adedeji Clement Opeyemi
State Assistant Youth Leader: Oladodonye Victor Gbenga
State Special Leader: Osayamen Monday
State Senior Youth Leader I: Oluwole Olugbode
State Senior Youth Leader II: Paul Olakunle Adeniyi
State Senior Youth Leader III: Oriade Abiodun Taofeek
State Senior Women Leader I: Abiola Mary Oluwamodupe
State Senior Women Leader II: Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Oluwadare
State Senior Women Leader III: Funmilayo Omogbemi
State Ex-Officio I: Ijaleye Samson Olufemi
State Ex-Officio II: Daramola Adesuyi
State Ex-Officio III: Omosebi Toba
State Ex-Officio IV: Alhaji Fatai Olawale
In attendance were the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; and political appointees.
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