Ondo State Governo Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described the reelection of Hon. Isaac Kekemeke as All Progressives Congress chairman in the Southwest as a testament to his leadership that has transformed the party in the zone in the last four years.
While congratulating him, the governor noted that the occasion offered an opportunity for unity, encouragement, and collaboration across the South-West
Aiyedatiwa spoke after the party’s zonal congress in Lagos on Wednesday, attended by 1,398 delegates from the six South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti
The event, held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena to elect new zonal executives, was marked by orderliness, patience and peaceful conduct.
Also, Aiyedatiwa’s Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the event as a testament to the party’s internal democracy, discipline, and commitment to orderly political processes.
While addressing the delegates, Aiyedatiwa commended them for their patience since the start of accreditation at 9 a.m., praising their loyalty and emphasising that the South-West APC continues to set a national standard for conduct and discipline.
He acknowledged the officials sent by the national party, representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and members of the press for ensuring transparency and impartial reporting.
The governor described the South-West zone as “the most formidable, forward-looking and exemplary” region of the party and said the election demonstrated adherence to the 2026 Electoral Act, reflecting the APC’s commitment to constitutional, electoral, and party regulations.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the APC’s number one delegate for the South-West, Sanwo-Olu congratulated Kekemeke on his re-election as Zonal Chairman and expressed confidence in the leadership abilities of the newly elected executives.
In his welcome address, National Secretary of APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, represented by the National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Israel, commended the dedication of members who had travelled from across the region, and congratulated the Zonal Vice Chairman for the success of the event, attributing it to divine providence
Also speaking, APC Southwest National Vice Chairman, Dr Isaac Kekemeke traced the party’s electoral evolution and praised Sanwo-Olu for ensuring the smooth conduct of the congress on short notice, describing the occasion as historic.
Kekemeke urged the zone to continue setting a precedent in the way party affairs are conducted.
In his acceptance speech, Kekemeke outlined the executive’s priorities, including securing the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji in June and facilitating Bola Oyebamiji’s election as governor of Osun State in August 2026.
Chairman of the South-West Congress Committee, Jide Jimoh, confirmed INEC’s presence, led by Mr Badejo Babalola, and affirmed that the congress adhered to legal and regulatory standards.
He announced the newly elected executives, all chosen through consensus: Dr Isaac Kekemeke (Zonal Vice Chairman), Alfred Aluko (Zonal Secretary), Ismail Majekodunmi (Zonal Legal Adviser), Dr Lateef Ibirogba (Publicity Secretary), Ayobami Afolabi (Organising Secretary), Barrister Daramola Adesuyi (Zonal Youth Leader), and Dayo Insha (Zonal Leader for Persons with Disabilities). Several positions were uncontested following screening by the party committee.
The congress was attended by Governors Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State; Ondo State Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; Minister for Youth Development Ayodele Oyewande; former deputy governors; national assembly members; and speakers of the state Houses of Assembly from Lagos and Ekiti. Also present were former governors, party leaders, national executives and the incoming governor of Osun State.
