Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has vowed that it would deliver at least one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
It made the vow while inaugurating a 10-member State Reconciliation Committee as part of strategic efforts to consolidate party unity ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
A statement by the party’s state Director, Media & Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, said the committee, inaugurated at the APC State Secretariat in Akure by the State Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, is chaired by Hon. Biyi Poroye, with Hon. Dele Olanubi serving as Deputy Chairman.
According to the statement, the committee was given a clear mandate to reconcile members, foster unity across all tendencies within the party, and ensure that every stakeholder works together towards the successful implementation of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s directive of delivering not less than one million votes for President Tinubu.
The committee is also expected to mobilize the party towards securing victory in all three senatorial seats, the nine House of Representatives seats, and the twenty-six seats in the Ondo State House of Assembly.
Speaking during the inauguration, Babatunde described Ondo State as virtually a one-party state, noting that the overwhelming majority of political actors in the state belong to the APC.
He stressed that no member of the party should be considered expendable, as every individual has a valuable role to play in achieving the party’s electoral objectives.
“We cannot afford to lose any member. Every member adds value to our collective strength. Our mission is to unite everyone under one umbrella to achieve Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s vision of delivering one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensuring total victory for all APC candidates,” he said.
The State Chairman reminded members that party supremacy remains the bedrock of the APC, emphasizing that while members have the right to feel disappointed over certain decisions, such grievances must never override the collective interest of the party.
“When the party takes a decision, every loyal member is expected to respect it. Individual ambitions must always give way to the larger objective of party unity and electoral success,” Babatunde stated.
Drawing from his personal political experience, he recalled how he once aspired to return to the House of Assembly for a second term but was denied the party ticket. Rather than becoming bitter, he accepted the decision in good faith and remained loyal to the APC.
“That loyalty has today brought me the privilege of serving as Chairman of our great party in Ondo State. Loyalty always has its rewards,” he added.
Hon. Babatunde further disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has made it abundantly clear that Ondo State is fully committed to delivering a landslide victory for President Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.
“As party chairman, it is my responsibility to ensure that this directive is achieved by bringing every member together to work with unity of purpose.”
He also highlighted the numerous benefits Ondo State has received under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, including massive infrastructure development, the Student Loan Scheme, social intervention programmes, and other people-oriented policies, saying these achievements justify overwhelming support for the President’s re-election.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee, Hon. Biyi Poroye, assured the party leadership that the committee fully understands the enormous responsibility placed upon it and is determined to deliver on its assignment.
He acknowledged the skepticism expressed by some party members following the announcement of the committee but maintained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa took a wise and timely decision in setting up the reconciliation committee.
“Having followed public reactions since the announcement of this committee, I have come to the conclusion that the Governor has taken the right step. This committee is a bold move towards strengthening our party ahead of the general elections.”
Poroye commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing three substantive ministers from Ondo State, describing the appointments as a demonstration of the President’s confidence in the state.
He assured members that the ministers would work closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa and the party leadership to secure victory for President Tinubu and all APC candidates.
The committee chairman also expressed optimism that all pending litigations involving party members would be resolved amicably before the elections.
“There is nothing wrong with losing an election, just as there is nothing extraordinary about winning one. What matters most is how we manage victory and defeat,” he said.
He appealed to those who lost during the party congresses and primaries to emulate leaders like Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, whose loyalty to the APC eventually earned him greater responsibilities.
“We appeal to everyone to put the party above personal ambition. Opportunities will always come to those who remain faithful and committed to the APC.”
Speaking on behalf of the women on the committee, Hon. Erelu Modupe Martins, former APC State Woman Leader and party leader from Odigbo Local Government, expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the party leadership for ensuring adequate female representation on the committee.
She noted that women naturally play conciliatory roles and would contribute significantly to achieving lasting peace within the party.
“As a foundation member of this great party, I am bringing my experience to bear alongside other women on this committee. Together, we shall work tirelessly to achieve reconciliation, strengthen party unity, and contribute to the realization of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s one million votes target for President Tinubu.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, a member of the committee, Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba, urged party members not to lose faith in the APC because the party remains the common platform for everyone.
“There is nothing to share in defeat. As long as the APC continues to win elections, more opportunities will continue to emerge for loyal party members. If you lose today, you may win tomorrow.”
He cautioned members against destroying the unity of the party because of temporary political setbacks, stressing that elections naturally produce winners and losers.
“The greatest virtue in politics is loyalty. We must remain faithful to the party and respect its leadership and decisions. Our collective interest must always supersede individual ambitions.”
Chief Ekungba equally praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his foresight in establishing the reconciliation committee, describing it as a timely intervention that would greatly enhance the party’s preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
According to him, disagreements are inevitable after congresses and party primaries, but responsible leadership requires proactive reconciliation.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated exemplary leadership by setting up this committee. It is a commendable initiative that will strengthen our party and position us for overwhelming victory in the forthcoming general elections.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by members of the State Working Committee, party leaders, and other stakeholders from across the eighteen local government areas of Ondo State.
