Ondo APC swears in new state executives

Following the recent reconciliation within the All Progressives Congress in Ondo, the party on Wednesday, concluded its 2026 state congress with the inauguration of newly elected executives, a development party described as a fresh step toward unity and consolidation.

The congress, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, attracted a large gathering of party members, leaders, security agencies and observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reflecting renewed cohesion within the party after days of internal disagreements.

Representing the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, described the congress as a major milestone for the party.

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Adelami noted that the orderly conduct of the exercise demonstrated the resilience of the APC despite the challenges posed by a court injunction earlier in the week.

Adelami commended the party’s National Working Committee for swiftly activating reconciliation mechanisms that brought aggrieved members together and resolved internal disputes.

According to him, the intervention eventually led to the vacation of the injunction, paving the way for the congress to proceed peacefully.

The governor also praised party leaders and members for showing maturity and commitment to unity, noting that disagreements were inevitable in a large political family but must always be resolved amicably.

He expressed confidence that the new executives would build on the achievements of the previous leadership and further strengthen internal democracy, fairness and cohesion within the party.

Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Ogonna Obiekwe, described the exercise as a reaffirmation of the party’s shared values of progress, fairness and unity.

He said the congress reflected the enduring democratic culture of the APC and its commitment to building a political platform that aligns with the aspirations of the people.

Obiekwe commended aspirants who participated in the contest, urging them to view leadership as an opportunity for service rather than a title.

He also called on party members to maintain maturity and responsibility throughout the process, stressing that political competition should strengthen rather than divide the party.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated state chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, pledged that the new leadership would prioritise inclusivity and youth engagement while consolidating the party’s structure across the state.

Kolawole said the executive would rely on the experience of party elders and the energy of young members to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

He assured members that under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, the APC in the state would continue to grow stronger and further promised to unite all members and eliminate factional tendencies within the party.

According to him, the new leadership would ensure a level playing field for all members while working to advance the party’s agenda in the state.

Kolawole who described the outcome of the congress as the beginning of a new phase for the APC in the state, said “we will work for the party and give the necessary support to ensure that our collective goals are realised”.