… 36 officials elected
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday held its state congress at the International Centre for Culture and Events, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure, with 36 new officers emerging to steer the affairs of the party.
Hon. Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde, and a former member of the House of Representatives for Akoko South-West/South-East Federal Constituency, emerged as the State Chairman, while a seasoned journalist from Ilaje, Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye, was elected State Secretary.
The officers were returned through a consensus arrangement ratified by affirmation of delegates at what party leaders described as a peaceful and orderly exercise.
Until his emergence, Babatunde served as Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Party and Legislative Affairs, while Kalejaiye was the party’s State Publicity Secretary.
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.
Governor Aiyedatiwa 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.
Among the officers elected are Olabamidele Olanubi as Deputy Chairman; Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye as Assistant Secretary; Babalola Olutayo as Legal Adviser; Perebo Pesta Monde as Treasurer; Oladoyin Taiwo Adefemi as Organising Secretary; Muyide Adeyeluwa Kayode as Publicity Secretary; Rev. Folagbade Stephen Olusegun as Welfare Secretary; Erelu Oluwayemisi Comedy IJ as Woman Leader; and Adedeji Clement Opeyemi as Youth Leader, alongside other members of the State Working Committee.
