…meets APC stakeholders ahead of party’s zonal congress, national convention
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday called on members of the All Progressives Congress in the state to intensify mobilisation at the grassroots, declaring that the party must secure one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting with APC members held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure, where he addressed party leaders, pre-delegates and other stakeholders on preparations for forthcoming party congresses and the need for unity within the fold.
According to him, the zonal congress is scheduled to hold on March 25, while national convention will hold between March 28 and 28, adding that arrangements would be coordinated by the party leadership to facilitate participation.
He explained that the party’s constitution permits either direct primaries or consensus in the conduct of congresses, noting that a unity list had already been prepared by leaders in consultation with national stakeholders.
He urged members to adopt decisions taken by party leaders, stressing that the same method used during the ward, local government and state congresses would be maintained at the zonal and national levels.
The governor thanked party members for their support for his administration, describing the government as a product of their collective efforts and votes.
“This is your government. You voted and mobilised others to vote. You should not abandon it. Stand by it and support it,” he said, urging members to continue to pray for the success of the administration.
On the 2027 elections, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised the need for the state to justify the support it had received at the federal level by delivering a significant number of votes for the President.
He stressed that elections are won at polling units, urging members to focus on ward-level mobilisation rather than relying on social media or publicity.
“Go to the ward and polling units. That is where votes are. Elections are not won on social media or through hype,” he stated.
The governor also called for increased membership registration, noting that there were still many eligible voters who were yet to be captured in the process.
He further called for unity within the party, urging members to set aside personal interests once candidates emerge and work together in the overall interest of the APC.
He noted that amendments to the Electoral Act had strengthened internal party processes, making primaries strictly party affairs and limiting external interference.
In his remarks, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, appreciated party members for their support and loyalty, pledging that the leadership would continue to unite all members.
Kolawole said the responsibility of repositioning the party was a collective one, stressing that there were no winners or losers within the APC.
He assured that the state working committee would carry all members along and ensure alignment with the leadership of the party.
The chairman also highlighted the importance of the forthcoming zonal and national congresses, urging members to pay attention to directives that would be given by party leaders.
He expressed optimism that the party would achieve its target in the next presidential election through unity and cooperation.
In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; The Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; House of Representatives Member representing Ondo East/West federal constituency, Hon. Abiola Makinde; House of Representatives Member representing Okitipupa /Irele federal constituency, Hon. Jimi Odimayo; Former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo, APC Chieftains, political appointees, among others.