Gov Aiyedatiwa urges party members to uphold discipline, internal democracy
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, on Tuesday emerged as the new Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
Hon. Babatunde, alongside 35 other members of the State Working Committee emerged through consensus and affirmation at a peaceful state congress of the party held at the International Centre for Culture and Events, in Akure.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, addressing party members at the congress, urged then to uphold unity, discipline and internal democracy.
He described the exercise as more than a routine political event, stressing its significance in consolidating the party’s structure.
“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, which aligns with the first point in our seven-point agenda addressing order, security and the rule of law,” he said.
The Governor highlighted the need to subordinate personal ambition under collective interest, stressing that individual aspirations must give way to party stability and progress.
He commended stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful and harmonious process, particularly those who willingly sacrificed personal ambitions to allow consensus to prevail.
“All of you are my friends. All of you are my subjects. 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. This is the Ondo State APC spirit,” he added.
He extended his congratulations to the newly elected members of the State Working Committee, as well as local government and ward executives, reminding them that their election represents a call to service.
“You must work tirelessly to strengthen grassroots structures, mobilise support, deepen internal democracy and consolidate our gains across the state,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also urged members to support the re-election of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the President’s reform agenda, commitment to infrastructure renewal, and efforts to reposition Nigeria for long-term economic stability.
“We in Ondo State remain fully aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda,” he affirmed.
In his acceptance speech, titled A New Dawn of Unity and Progress, Babatunde pledged transparent, disciplined and inclusive leadership, declaring that the era of internal division in the party must end.
He described his election as a collective victory and a reaffirmation of the APC’s strength and commitment to internal democracy.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing a level playing field for all contestants, citing John Locke to stress that “the end of law is to preserve and enlarge freedom.”
Babatunde assured the governor that under his leadership, the party would remain united, organised and committed to supporting the administration’s vision and policies.
Addressing fellow contestants, he said: “There is no winner or loser in this exercise. I am for all, and against none,” emphasising that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.
He further pledged to energise grassroots structures, empower youths with responsibility and structure, elevate women into leadership positions, and strengthen elders by honouring their wisdom and experience.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ondo APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, described the exercise as more than an election, noting that it affirms the party’s shared values of discipline, progress, fairness and unity.
He commended aspirants for their courage and commitment, urging them to act with maturity, respect and sportsmanship, and emphasised that political competition should strengthen the party, not divide it.
Obiekwe also thanked security agencies, party officials and observers for their presence, and expressed hope that the congress would produce leaders who would strengthen the APC and position it for greater victories.
The newly elected executives for the 2026 Ondo State APC Congress are:
State Chairman: Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde
State Deputy Chairman: Olabamidele Olanubi
State Secretary: Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye
State Assistant Secretary: Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye
State Zonal Vice Chairman I: Chief Jamiu Olarewaju Adejoro
State Zonal Vice Chairman II: Kayode Samuel Famuyiwa
State Zonal Vice Chairman III: Hon. Bode Ikulala
State Legal Adviser: Babalola Olutayo
State Assistant Legal Adviser: Tijani Mohammed Salau
State Treasurer: Perebo Pesta Monde
State Assistant Treasurer: Olotu Adekiya Jeremiah
State Financial Secretary: Adewumi Solomon
State Assistant Financial Secretary: Adedinni Tosin
State Organising Secretary: Oladoyin Taiwo Adefemi
State Assistant Organising Secretary: Agboola Adelanke Omotayo
State Publicity Secretary: Muyide Adeyeluwa Kayode
State Assistant Publicity Secretary: Hon. Oyekan Durojaye
State Welfare Secretary: Rev. Folagbade Stephen Olusegun
State Assistant Welfare Secretary: Mrs. Abiola Fayehun
State Auditor: Joseph Gbenga Akinrinlola
State Assistant Auditor: Taiwo Alaba Victor
State Woman Leader: Erelu Oluwayemisi Comedy IJ
State Assistant Woman Leader: Hon. Adedeji Foluke Omowumi
State Youth Leader: Adedeji Clement Opeyemi
State Assistant Youth Leader: Oladodonye Victor Gbenga
State Special Leader: Osayamen Monday
State Senior Youth Leader I: Oluwole Olugbode
State Senior Youth Leader II: Paul Olakunle Adeniyi
State Senior Youth Leader III: Oriade Abiodun Taofeek
State Senior Women Leader I: Abiola Mary Oluwamodupe
State Senior Women Leader II: Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Oluwadare
State Senior Women Leader III: Funmilayo Omogbemi
State Ex-Officio I: Ijaleye Samson Olufemi
State Ex-Officio II: Daramola Adesuyi
State Ex-Officio III: Omosebi Toba
State Ex-Officio IV: Alhaji Fatai Olawale
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
March 3, 2026.