2027: Aiyedatiwa, Ondo APC back Tinubu’s re-election bid

…..calls for support for Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has formally declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, following a high-level caucus meeting convened by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.

At the closed-door gathering held at the Government House on Friday, party leaders from across the state’s three senatorial districts unanimously endorsed Tinubu’s re-election bid and launched a support structure tagged ‘Ondo State for Tinubu 2027’.

Addressing the gathering, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and party loyalty, stressing the importance of unity and internal reconciliation for the progress of the state and the party.

Aiyedatiwa, who also called for unity, expressed optimism that the APC will continue to wax stronger in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Stressing that the state caucus of the party will now meet on a regular basis, Aiyedatiwa reiterated the supremacy of the party, adding that all groups in the state must work under the leadership of the party.

Aiyedatiwa used the occasion to intimate the party leaders with the efforts of his administration towards the development of the state, particularly since he began his first full term in office in February.

The governor also disclosed the decision of the National Economic Council to launch the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which is aimed at taking development further to the grassroots.

The caucus later appointed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti and the State Secretary of the APC, Mrs. Roseline Okafor, to coordinate the state secretariat of the Caucus.

Those who attended the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami and two of his predecessors, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo.

Others included Senator Jide Ipinsagba of Ondo North and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire of Ondo Central, as well as former Senators Titus Olupitan and Remi Okunrinboye.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, was also in attendance, as well as former Speakers Kenneth Olawale, Victor Olabimtan and Bamidele Oleyeloogun. There were also Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu and former Deputy Speakers Dare Emiola and Abayomi Akinruntan.

Members of the House of Representatives in attendance included Hon. Abiola Makinde, Hon. Derin Adesida and Hon. Jimi Odimayo, as well as former Reps Ifedayo Abegunde, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Kolawole Babatunde and Tajudeen Adefisoye.

The party leadership in the state was led by the Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin. Former Chairmen of the defunct ACN, Mrs. Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose and Ambassador Sola Iji, were also in attendance.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Derin Adesida, explained that the gathering was enshrined in the APC constitution to enable leaders to meet and deliberate on the party’s future.

Also speaking, APC chieftain, Ambassador Sola Iji, noted that the constitutional caucus meeting is primarily reserved for top echelons of the party, commending the Governor for convening the meeting.

Similarly, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his proactive leadership and foresight in steering the party in the right direction, as well as his commitment to the rapid development of the state.

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