By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday declined to monitor the Ondo State Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the absence of authorisation from its national headquarters and a subsisting court injunction restraining recognition of the exercise.
Despite the electoral body’s absence, the APC proceeded with the congress at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, where a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, emerged as the new State Chairman alongside 35 other members of the State Working Committee through consensus and affirmation by delegates.
Speaking with journalists in Akure, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner’s spokesperson in Ondo State, Yinka Ogunseye, said the commission did not deploy officials to the congress because it had not received any directive from its headquarters.
“There is no directive from the INEC headquarters to monitor the congress,” Ogunseye stated.
He added that the commission was also constrained by a court order, stressing that it could not act in defiance of the judiciary.
“There is no way the commission can disobey a court injunction,” he said.
A Federal High Court sitting in Akure had on Monday granted an interim order restraining INEC from recognising or validating the Ward and Local Government congresses allegedly conducted by the APC in February, as well as the proposed State Congress, pending the hearing of a Motion on Notice.
The court further directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
Notwithstanding the legal development, the APC went ahead with its state congress on Tuesday, producing Babatunde and other executive members in what party officials described as a consensus-driven process.
Addressing party members at the congress, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged stakeholders to uphold unity, discipline and internal democracy, describing the exercise as more than a routine political event. He said the congress reaffirmed the party’s shared commitment to supremacy of party structure, inclusiveness and collective responsibility.
“Today’s congress is more than a routine political exercise. It is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to party supremacy, unity, inclusiveness and discipline. The APC remains a party built on structure, order and collective responsibility,” the governor said, aligning the process with his administration’s emphasis on order, security and the rule of law.
He stressed the need for members to subordinate personal ambition to collective interest, noting that individual aspirations must give way to party stability and progress. The governor commended aspirants who stepped down to allow consensus, describing their actions as reflective of the Ondo APC spirit.
“All of you are my friends. We belong to the same party. I have no preference for one person over another, but one person must emerge. I thank everyone who has made sacrifices to allow harmony and consensus to take place,” he added.
He congratulated the newly elected State Working Committee, as well as local government and ward executives, charging them to strengthen grassroots structures, mobilise support and deepen internal democracy across the state. The governor also urged members to back the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing his reform agenda and infrastructure renewal drive under the Renewed Hope programme.
In his acceptance speech titled: “A New Dawn of Unity and Progress,” Babatunde pledged transparent, disciplined and inclusive leadership, declaring that internal divisions within the party must give way to cohesion and collective advancement. He described his election as a collective victory and a reaffirmation of the APC’s strength.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing what he termed a level playing field for all aspirants, invoking the political philosophy of John Locke that “the end of law is to preserve and enlarge freedom.” Babatunde assured members that under his leadership, the party would remain united and organised in support of the administration’s policies.
“There is no winner or loser in this exercise. I am for all, and against none,” he said, promising to energise grassroots structures, empower youths, elevate women into leadership roles and harness the experience of elders within the party.
Earlier, Chairman of the State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, described the exercise as an affirmation of the party’s values of discipline, fairness and unity. He urged aspirants to exhibit maturity and sportsmanship, noting that political competition should strengthen rather than divide the party.
Obiekwe also commended security agencies, party officials and observers for ensuring a peaceful process and expressed confidence that the newly elected executives would position the APC for greater electoral victories in the state.
