The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded the election of its new set of state executives, ending a prolonged internal crisis that had earlier disrupted party operations.
The fresh congress, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, produced Babatunde Kolawole, Senior Special Assistant on Legislative Matters and Party Affairs to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the new State Chairman, along with 35 other party executives.
The election comes after weeks of tension within the Ondo APC, which had seen disagreements escalate to the courtroom.
A Federal High Court in Akure, presided over by Justice Toyin Adegoke, had on March 2, 2026, issued an ex parte order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC from holding the initially scheduled congress.
The legal challenge was filed by a group of aggrieved party members led by Lawrence Adebayo, through their counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, who questioned the conduct of earlier ward and local council congresses.
Despite the injunction, the first attempt at the congress was held on March 3, 2026. Although the exercise produced most of the current officials, it was overshadowed by controversy, as INEC was absent due to the court order.
The absence of INEC officials and the pending legal proceedings created an atmosphere of uncertainty within the party, leaving many members questioning the legitimacy of the process.
To address the impasse, the national leadership of the APC intervened, informing stakeholders that the issues leading to the court injunction had been amicably resolved.
With the vacation of the court order, the party was able to organize a fresh, credible congress that ensured the participation of all factions and reinforced the principles of internal democracy.
Representing Governor Aiyedatiwa at the event, his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, described the fresh congress as an impeccable demonstration of the Ondo APC’s unity and resilience.
He acknowledged the challenges caused by the court injunction but commended the party leadership for swiftly resolving the disputes and ensuring that the congress proceeded smoothly.
Governor Aiyedatiwa himself praised party leaders and members for their patience, understanding, and commitment to the overall unity of the Ondo APC.
He noted that disagreements are natural in a large political family, but what matters most is the ability to resolve them amicably, maintain cohesion, and prioritize collective progress.
In his welcome address, Ogonna Obiekwe, Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, congratulated party members and described the congress as a reaffirmation of the Ondo APC’s core values of progress, fairness, and unity.
He emphasized that the successful conclusion of the exercise highlights the party’s determination to uphold internal democracy while ensuring inclusivity among all stakeholders.
The newly elected chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, expressed gratitude to party members for their confidence in his leadership.
He pledged to promote transparency, fairness, and development within the Ondo APC, assuring members that the party would continue to strengthen its grassroots structures across the state.
He further reiterated the importance of party unity and collaboration, particularly as the APC prepares for upcoming local and national elections.
Political analysts have observed that the successful conduct of the fresh congress is a major boost for the Ondo APC, signaling stability and renewed focus within the party.
They note that resolving internal disputes through dialogue and legal means reinforces democratic principles and sets a positive precedent for managing conflicts in political organizations.
The resolution of the recent crisis also strengthens the APC’s position in Ondo State, providing a clear framework for governance and party activities.
With a cohesive leadership team now in place, the Ondo APC is better positioned to mobilize support, implement party policies, and engage effectively with constituents at both local and state levels.
Observers commended the role of the party’s national leadership in ensuring a fair and credible process.
Their intervention in facilitating dialogue among competing factions and supporting the fresh congress has been seen as critical in restoring confidence among members and preventing further legal disputes.
The fresh congress in Ondo underscores the importance of adhering to democratic norms, even within internal party processes.
It also highlights the APC’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusivity—key values that resonate with party members and supporters across the state.
As the Ondo APC moves forward under the leadership of Babatunde Kolawole, stakeholders are optimistic that the party will continue to thrive, consolidate its gains, and remain a formidable political force in the state.
The election of the new executives not only resolves past disputes but also sets the stage for strengthened party structures and a more united front ahead of future elections.
With this successful congress, the Ondo APC has demonstrated that internal challenges can be overcome through dialogue, adherence to legal frameworks, and commitment to democratic principles, ensuring that the party remains a symbol of progress and unity in Ondo State.
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