Ondo APC leaders meet behind closed doors

As part of efforts toward consolidating party unity and aligning governance priorities with political strategy in Ondo, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state met behind closed doors to deliberate on key issues affecting governance and the party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This is just as the inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) held its inaugural meeting in Akure, bringing together the state’s most influential political leaders for a closed-door strategy session aimed at strengthening the bond between the government and the party.

The council chaired by the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of NNPC Limited, Pius Akinyelure, while former National Vice Chairman of the APC, Isaacs Kekemeke, was appointed Secretary of the GAC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

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The Saturday’s closed-door meeting, which came just days after the governor hosted the APC caucus meeting, focused on the state’s development and political consolidation before a forthcoming general stakeholders’ parley.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Akinyelure who described the deliberations as fruitful, disclosed that the aim of the gathering was to ensure smooth relations between the government and the party.

He said; “The Governor is very happy about the meeting. What we have basically discussed is the growth the party and the success of the government, which is headed by Mr. Governor. Ours is to bridge the gap, to make sure that the party grows and the government is successful.

“Whatever is going on in government is exposed to the party, so that there can be a smooth relationship. I am not only satisfied, I am encouraged by the participation of our members”.

Former APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, hailed the state governor, Aiyedatiwa, for creating the forum, saying it encouraged frank discussions and unity.

“First and foremost, I have to appreciate the governor for setting up this Governor’s Advisory Council. Because of such a forum, we make suggestions as elders of the party. If we continue at this trend, even the sky is not the limit for the state.

“One very commendable thing is the governor’s receptive attitude accommodating everyone, regardless of past views before he became governor. There’s no room for disunity. The governor is for all of us. He’s the leader of the party in the state, and we acknowledge that leadership,” Oluwajana said.

The GAC secretary, Kekemeke, said the meeting reaffirmed the governor’s leadership of the APC in the state and agreed that support groups must work within the party structure.

He disclosed that the meeting was aimed at stabilising the government and party in the state.

He said; “Basically, it’s meant to stabilise government and the party.

“The governor has been availed of the experience of many people, and we have resolved a number of issues. We restated the obvious fact that the governor is the leader of the party in the state.

“We also agreed that support groups, particularly presidential support groups, can continue to exist but cannot serve as alternatives to the party or be used to divide it. Support groups are meant to support the party and the presidential aspiration of our national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We were satisfied with the governor’s performance and advised him on wider consultations with stakeholders. We concluded that our party is one, with no factions, and advised on collegiate leadership at the local government level for more inclusive decision-making.”

Former Senator, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice explained that the council plays a key advisory role to the governor on policies and party unity.

“The main purpose of this meeting is to revitalise this Government Advisory Council. As a council, we are to advise Mr. Governor on issues concerning his policies and the unity of the party, and that is exactly what we have done. Those who have some issues raised them, and the Governor responded.

“He has paid all salaries; he is not owing, has not borrowed, and has even paid part of the debts owed by the government over the years. These are commendable within this short time of his administration. The Advisory Council is to advise, not to dictate.

“The Governor is the Chief Executive of the state and is to pick the best hands to help him achieve his goals. We can advise, but he has more information to take decisions that favour the government and the people,” Borofficr said.

Also speaking, Chief Jamiu Ekungba and Hon. Awodeyi Akinsehinwa Apata both commended the governor for convening the GAC meeting, stressing that it would strengthen the party in the state ahead of the next general elections, describing the council as a unifying platform for the party.

Other members present included former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi; General Funso Oyenehin (rtd); Ambassador Sola Iji; Chief Bode Sunmonu; Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin; Dr. Ayodeji Oyedele; and Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti.

The GAC was recently constituted by Aiyedatiwa as a formal mechanism for regular consultation with experienced APC leaders in the state.

The primary mandate is to provide advisory input on governance priorities while ensuring that the party’s political machinery remains united and active.

However, Aiyedatiwa did not make a public speech after the meeting, but insiders suggest he expressed satisfaction with the exchange of ideas and the renewed commitment of the party’s leaders to work in unity.