The All Progressives Congress, APC, has sworn in its new executives in Ondo State.
They emerged from a fresh state congress held in Akure on Wednesday. The court had nullified last week’s congress of the party, which it said violated the laws.
The legal tussle initiated by a group within All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State might have been settled as the party supposedly concluded its State Congress on Wednesday.
Gathered at the International Cultural and Event Centre (The Dome) at Alagbaka , Akure, the 36 members of the party state executive were affirmed and sworn in.
The exercise monitored by officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was peaceful as the National Congress Committee concluded the exercise what experienced hitch due to an ex parte order restraining the Committee from conducting the Congress.
The swearing-in of the newly elected executives has been described as a demonstration of unity, organisation and democratic discipline.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, who represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the exercise, described the congress as a significant moment for the party, noting that the orderly proceedings demonstrated the strength of the APC despite recent challenges.
He recalled that the party had faced a court injunction days earlier, which initially threatened to disrupt its activities.
The governor, therefore, commended the National Working Committee for swiftly setting up reconciliation mechanisms that brought aggrieved members and leaders on board, resolved disputes and led to the eventual vacation of the injunction, allowing the congress to proceed peacefully.
He praised party leaders and members “for their understanding and commitment to unity, emphasising that disagreements were natural in a large political family, but what mattered most was the ability to resolve them amicably.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, described the congress as a reaffirmation of the APC’s shared values of progress, fairness and unity.
He described the exercise as a reflection of the party’s democratic strength.
Obiekwe said the congress represented the strength of the party’s enduring democracy and its collective resolve to build a political platform that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people.
He, therefore, urged the contestants to conduct themselves with maturity, respect and responsibility, adding that political competition should strengthen the party rather than divide it.
According to him, “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.”
Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated chairman of the party, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, in his acceptance speech, promised that the new leadership would leverage the wisdom of party leaders and the energy and dynamism of the youth to strengthen the party, particularly as it prepares for forthcoming elections.
He assured members of the party that under the leadership of the governor, the party would continue to grow stronger, adding the state executive would work to unite all members of the party, stressing that there would be no faction within the party from now on.
Kolawole also promised 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 realisable,” he said.
The newly sworn-in executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State are Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde, State Chairman; Olabamidele Olanubi, State Deputy Chairman; Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye, State Secretary; and Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye, State Assistant Secretary.
The zonal vice chairmen are Chief Jamiu Olarewaju Adejoro (I), Kayode Samuel Famuyiwa (II), and Hon. Bode Ikulala (III). Babalola Olutayo and Olugbenga Adebowale Olanipekun were elected State Legal Adviser and Assistant Legal Adviser, while Perebo Pesta Monde and Hon. Idowu Oniye occupy the roles of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.
Thalis Olonite Apalowo and Adedinni Tosin serve as Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary.
The organisational and publicity structure includes Oladoyin Taiwo Adefemi, State Organising Secretary; Akinde Rotimi Vincent, Assistant Organising Secretary; Muyide Adeyeluwa Kayode, Publicity Secretary; and Hon. Oyekan Durojaye, Assistant Publicity Secretary.
Welfare positions were filled by Rev. Folagbade Stephen Olusegun and Hon. Josephine Akinsiku. Joseph Gbenga Akinrinlola and Smart Aribignola were elected Auditor and Assistant Auditor. Erelu Oluwayemisi Comedy Iji and Hon. Adedeji Foluke Omowumi are State Woman Leader and Assistant, while Adedeji Clement Opeyemi and Oladodonye Victor Gbenga are State Youth Leader and Assistant.
Engr. Babatunde Igbalajobi is State Special Leader. Senior Youth Leader positions went to Oluwole Olugbode (I), Faloye Olarenwaju (II), and Oriade Abiodun Taofeek (III), while Senior Women Leader roles are held by Abiola Mary Oluwamodupe (I), Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Oluwadare (II), and Funmileyi Omogbemi (III).
The Ex-Officio members are Ijaleye Samson Olufemi, Sogo Ajikiola, Omosebi Toba, and Alhaji Fatai Olawale.
