Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and senior leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have declared the party united and ready for its State Congress, scheduled for today.
Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s state secretariat in Akure on Monday, the governor dismissed rumours of internal strife, attributing such narratives to social media speculation.
He emphasised that the state chapter remains peaceful and focused on a successful transition of leadership.
A central theme of the preparations is the adoption of a consensus arrangement, a long-standing tradition in the Ondo APC since 2014.
Aiyedatiwa noted that this approach aligns with the philosophy of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises party orderliness and established leadership ranking.
Isaac Kekemeke, the APC South-West National Vice Chairman, reinforced this position, reminding members that the party has historically avoided ballot voting for executive positions in the state.
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“We are not at war,” Aiyedatiwa reiterated, assuring delegates of their safety.
“Disagreements are normal in any family, but they should not be mistaken for conflict.”
The party leadership also addressed reports of a court order purportedly halting the congress.
Kekemeke, a lawyer himself, stated that the party had received no official notification or directive from the National Secretariat regarding any legal stay.
The party intends to proceed as planned, guided by the 2026 Electoral Act and the APC Constitution.Kekemeke urged members to ignore reports not backed by official party communication, noting that the national headquarters had yet to receive any such document.
The State Congress Committee, led by Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, confirmed that the exercise will produce 36 working committee members to lead the party for the next four years.
Accreditation begins at 8 a.m. at designated centres across the 18 local government areas, identification of delegates must present their party membership slips for verification and a voice vote will be used to affirm the consensus candidates.
The meeting saw a high turnout of party stalwarts, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, and prominent chieftains like Tunji Abayomi.
Leaders expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to conduct a fair and credible process.
