Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for a radical shift in the internal operations of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He urged the party to prioritise merit-based leadership and inclusive reforms to ensure long-term institutional stability.
The governor made this appeal yesterday, while presiding over the APC South-West Zonal Public Hearing on Constitutional Amendments, held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Akure.
The event, described by Aiyedatiwa as a moment of historic gravitas, brought together a broad spectrum of party stakeholders, civil society, and grassroots representatives.
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Aiyedatiwa emphasised that for the APC to endure beyond election cycles, it must strengthen its internal institutions.
He defined the party’s constitution not merely as a handbook, but as an “ethical anchor” that must remain transparent and credible.
The governor noted that internal democracy is “fundamental” to the party’s survival. He advocated for a framework that guarantees the participation of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities.
Aiyedatiwa stressed that the “APC of the future” must be a party where service and integrity, rather than narrow interests, dictate leadership selection.
A major highlight of the hearing was the intervention by the APC National Vice-Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke.
He raised a critical administrative concern, calling for the urgent harmonisation of multiple versions of the APC constitution.
Kekemeke warned that the existence of different versions has caused confusion within the National Working Committee (NWC) and must be streamlined to eliminate ambiguity.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat, echoed the governor’s sentiments, describing the South-West as the bastion of progressive ideas in Nigeria.
He urged delegates to view the constitutional review as a strategic tool to safeguard equitable representation and strengthen party cohesion in the face of future electoral challenges.
During the welcome address, Ondo State APC Caretaker Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, highlighted the party’s growing dominance in the state.
He cited the high-profile return of former Deputy Governor and 2024 PDP gubernatorial candidate, Agboola Ajayi, to the APC.
Adetimehin boasted that the party is positioned to double its previous electoral performance in the 2027 general elections.
Keynote speaker Miriam Odinaka Onuoha revealed that the amendment committee, constituted in February 2025 under President Tinubu’s directive, is tasked with aligning the party with its rapidly growing membership.
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Emphasis was placed on enforcing affirmative action for marginalised groups in party appointments. Stakeholders were encouraged to participate in the ongoing electronic membership registration to digitise the party’s database.
The hearing concluded with a deep sense of responsibility among delegates, as the submissions gathered in Akure are expected to play a pivotal role in the final national constitutional outcomes.
