Ondo APC Holds New Congress, Elects Fresh Executive Committee

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Ondo State conducted a new congress on Wednesday in compliance with a court order.

On March 2, the Federal High Court in Akure issued an ex parte order prohibiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC from moving forward with the congress that was initially planned. This order was a consequence of grievances lodged by a faction led by Lawrence Adebayo, an aggrieved party member.

The legal challenge, brought forth by their attorney, Adedayo Adedeji, contested the earlier organization of the ward and local council congresses.

Despite the existing court order, the party proceeded with the congress on March 3, during which a new executive committee (exco) was elected. Notably, INEC officials were absent from this gathering as a direct result of the court’s injunction.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, however, rejected the validity of the congress that was held in defiance of the court ruling, insisting that a new election must take place to abide by legal standards.

Wednesday’s congress took place at the International Cultural and Event Centre in Akure and yielded a new list of officials, which somewhat diverged from the selection made during the previous flawed congress.

The exercise resulted in Kolawole Babatunde being elected chairman, with Olabamidele Olanubi as deputy chairman and Alex Kalejaiye serving as secretary.

The previous ward and state congresses were marred by violence, leading to the fatalities of three individuals. The discord was allegedly between factions aligned with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who aimed to assert control over the party structure, and supporters of former state chairman Ade Adetimehin, who is closely associated with the party’s traditional leadership established by late governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Adetimehin had been at the helm of the party for the past eight years, securing his influence as a prominent leader. However, the current governor appears inclined towards reforms that would allow him to exert greater control over the party’s direction.

During the inauguration of the new executives, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the APC is a legally compliant, unified, and well-structured entity.

In a message conveyed by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor expressed optimism, stating that this development demonstrates the party’s resilience amidst recent adversities.

Aiyedatiwa further explained that the party’s leadership, particularly the NWC, had acted by establishing reconciliation processes aimed at uniting all involved parties.

He also indicated that the injunction that had jeopardized the congress was lifted due to intervention by the party's leadership.

"We have demonstrated that we are a law-abiding organization. The most crucial aspect is that we have managed to amicably resolve all disputes that arose," he remarked.

The governor congratulated the newly appointed officials, expressing confidence in their capability to build upon the achievements of their predecessors. He encouraged them to promote internal democracy within the party, ensuring fairness, equity, and unity among the members.

Ogonna Obiekwe, the chair of the state congress committee, highlighted that the congress embodies the true values and principles of the party. He urged the new leaders to conduct themselves with maturity, reinforcing the expectation that all APC members must be prepared to work collaboratively.

The congress commenced with a unanimous voice vote to dissolve the State Working Committee led by Ade Adetimehin.

The newly elected chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, underscored that this victory is a collective achievement for every member of the party, assuring there would be no factions and promising an equal platform for all members.

The complete roster of the newly elected executives is as follows:

1\. Kolawole Babatunde – State Chairman

2\. Olabamidele Olanubi – State Deputy Chairman

3\. Alex Kalejaiye – State Secretary

4\. Olumide Pinpaye – State Assistant Secretary

Zonal Vice Chairmen:

1\. Jamiu Adejoro (I)

2\. Kayode Famuyiwa (II)

3\. Bode Ikulala (III)

Legal Advisers:

1\. Babalola Olutayo – State Legal Adviser

2\. Olugbenga Olanipekun – Assistant Legal Adviser

Treasurers:

1\. Perebo Monde – Treasurer

2\. Idowu Oniye – Assistant Treasurer

Financial Officers:

1\. Thalis Apalowo – Financial Secretary

2\. Adedinni Tosin – Assistant Financial Secretary

Organisational and Publicity Structure:

1\. Oladoyin Adefemi – State Organising Secretary

2\. Akinde Vincent – Assistant Organising Secretary

3\. Muyide Kayode – Publicity Secretary

4\. Oyekan Durojaye – Assistant Publicity Secretary

Welfare Positions:

1\. Folagbade Olusegun

2\. Josephine Akinsiku

Auditors:

1\. Joseph Akinrinlola – Auditor

2\. Smart Aribignola – Assistant Auditor

Women’s Leadership:

1\. Oluwayemisi Iji – State Woman Leader

2\. Adedeji Omowumi – Assistant

Youth Leadership:

1\. Adedeji Opeyemi – State Youth Leader

2\. Oladodonye Gbenga – Assistant

Special Leader:

1\. Babatunde Igbalajobi – State Special Leader

Senior Youth Leaders:

1\. Oluwole Olugbode (I)

2\. Faloye Olarenwaju (II)

3\. Oriade Taofeek (III)

Senior Women Leaders:

1\. Abiola Oluwamodupe (I)

2\. Funmilayo Oluwadare (II)

3\. Funmileyi Omogbemi (III)

Ex-Officio Members:

1\. Ijaleye Olufemi

2\. Sogo Ajikiola

3\. Omosebi Toba

4\. Alhaji Fatai Olawale