The All Progressives Congress APC in Ondo State has elected Hon Kolawole Babatunde as its new State Chairman, with Hon Alex Kalejaiye as State Secretary and other members of the State Working Committee. The congress was held in Akure and produced the executives through a consensus and affirmation process.
The exercise, however, came amid reports of a Federal High Court order restraining the party from holding the congress. The court case was filed by some aggrieved party members. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC did not monitor the congress, citing no instruction from its headquarters and the need to respect the court order.
Speaking on the matter, Kalejaiye said the party was not officially served with any court order before the congress. He added that the state chapter acted according to directives from the party’s national leadership and proceeded on the understanding that no legal barrier existed.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged party members to uphold unity, discipline, and internal democracy, emphasizing the need to prioritize collective interests over personal ambitions. He also encouraged members to support President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, noting that Ondo State is aligned with the federal government’s policies.
Babatunde, in his acceptance speech titled A New Dawn of Unity and Progress, promised transparent, disciplined, and inclusive leadership. He highlighted plans to strengthen grassroots structures, promote youth participation, and increase women’s involvement in party leadership.
Meanwhile, the Oodua Progressive Youth League OPYL called on the APC national leadership to review the congress in view of the court order, praising INEC for adhering to due process.
The new executives include State Chairman Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde, Deputy Chairman Olabamidele Olanubi, State Secretary Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye, Assistant Secretary Barr Olumide Michael Pinpaye, State Legal Adviser Babalola Olutayo, and Assistant Legal Adviser Tijani Mohammed Salau.
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