The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday conducted a fresh state congress and swore in its newly elected executives following the cancellation of the previous congress due to a court order.
The event, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure, the state capital, attracted a large turnout of party members, leaders, security personnel, and observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The APC had earlier conducted the state party congress on March 3. However, the exercise was later cancelled due to court controversies surrounding it.
At the fresh congress, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, recalled that the party had faced a court injunction days earlier, which initially threatened to disrupt its activities.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, described the fresh congress as a landmark moment for the party.
He noted that the smooth proceedings reflected the APC’s resilience despite the earlier legal setback, when a court injunction had halted the initial congress.
Aiyedatiwa commended the National Working Committee for quickly setting up reconciliation mechanisms that resolved disputes among members and leaders, enabling the fresh congress to proceed peacefully.
He praised party members for their commitment to unity, emphasizing that disagreements are normal in a large political family but resolving them amicably is crucial.
He also expressed confidence that the new leadership would build on previous achievements, strengthen internal democracy, and advance the party’s development.
“We have proved that we are a law-abiding party. What matters most is that we have been able to resolve all issues that arose amicably.
“I commend our party leaders and members for their understanding and commitment to unity. Disagreements are natural in a large political family, but what matters most is the ability to resolve them amicably,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, congratulated members and described the fresh congress as a reaffirmation of the party’s shared values of progress, fairness, and unity.
Obiekwe also thanked security agencies, party officials, and observers, noting that their cooperation was vital to the success of the congress. He urged members to put the party’s future above personal ambition.
“As we proceed, let us remember that the future of our party is bigger than any ambition. Let peace guide our actions, unity shape our decisions, and progress remain our ultimate goal,” he said.
The newly inaugurated chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, pledged to leverage the wisdom of party elders and the energy of the youth to strengthen the APC, particularly ahead of forthcoming elections.
Kolawole further promised a united executive with no factions, stressing that every member would be given a level playing field.
“My duty is very simple. It is to ensure that we work for the party and give the necessary support in ensuring that our agenda is realizable,” he said.
