Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship race in Ondo State, some groups, Ondo Youths in Diaspora (OSYiD) and the Social Rehabilitation Group (SRG), have thrown their weight behind the aspiration of former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan.
The groups described Olabimtan as the most competent and experienced among the politicians who have expressed interest in the APC chairmanship position in the state.
The OSYiD, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Ambassador Gbenga Olukayode, said Olabimtan would take all necessary actions to promote peace and unity among party members.
According to him, Olabimtan’s political pedigree, administrative competence, and party loyalty place him far ahead of other aspirants vying for the state’s APC chairmanship position.
Olukayode stated that the former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly had consistently demonstrated leadership capacity in both legislative and executive roles, which are essential for managing a party as broad-based as the APC.
He said, “Olabimtan is not just a party man; he is a tested and trusted leader who understands grassroots politics, party structure, and governance.
“His tenure as Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly was marked by maturity, firmness, and fairness.
“He also brought sanity, order, and progress to the State Universal Basic Education Board as Chairman. These are the kind of qualities the APC needs at this critical time.”
He added that the party must move beyond sentiments and consider pedigree, performance, and party-building capacity in choosing its next leader, stressing that Olabimtan had demonstrated uncommon loyalty and resilience over the years.
In a related development, the Southwest Coordinator of the Social Rehabilitation Group (SRG), an APC-aligned pressure group, Prince Ademola Obadofin, said Olabimtan’s political background and accomplishments make him the most qualified aspirant.
He stated that Olabimtan would be a valuable rallying figure for the party in the state, adding that the former Speaker possesses the leadership acumen needed to reposition the party.
“Olabimtan represents the experience, character, and competence needed to restore unity and direction within the APC in Ondo State.
“He is a man of ideas and action, a loyal party stalwart who has never wavered in his commitment to the progressive cause.”
He further highlighted Olabimtan’s role in stabilising SUBEB and transforming basic education in the state, noting that his leadership style was inclusive, result-driven, and transparent.
Furthermore, he stated that the SUBEB boss had impacted lives across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State through youth employment and empowerment.
“We cannot afford to hand over the party to individuals without a clear track record of performance and loyalty. Victor Olabimtan has served this state with honour and integrity.
“His emergence as chairman will inject fresh energy and maturity into the party structure,” he stressed.
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