A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, has emerged as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State.
Babatunde was returned unopposed alongside 35 other members of the State Working Committee through consensus and affirmation at the party’s peaceful state congress held on Tuesday at the International Centre for Culture and Events, Akure.
Addressing party faithful at the gathering, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa charged members to sustain unity, discipline and internal democracy within the fold.
The governor described the congress as more than a routine political activity, noting that it marked a critical step in strengthening the party’s structure in the state.
“Today's congress is more than a routine political exercise. It is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to party supremacy, unity, inclusiveness and discipline.
“The APC remains a party built on structure, order and collective responsibility, which aligns with the first point in our seven-point agenda addressing order, security and the rule of law,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa stressed the need for members to place collective interest above personal ambition, adding that individual aspirations must not undermine the stability and progress of the party.
He lauded party stakeholders for ensuring a rancour-free process, especially those who stepped down their ambitions to allow consensus.
“All of you are my friends. All of you are my subjects. We belong to the same party. I have no preference for one person over another, but one person must emerge. I thank everyone who has made sacrifices to allow harmony and consensus to take place. This is the Ondo State APC spirit,” he added.
The governor congratulated the newly elected State Working Committee members, as well as local government and ward executives, reminding them that their emergence was a call to service.
“You must work tirelessly to strengthen grassroots structures, mobilise support, deepen internal democracy and consolidate our gains across the state,” he said.
He also urged members to rally support for the re-election of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the President’s reform initiatives, infrastructure drive and efforts to reposition the country for sustainable economic growth.
“We in Ondo State remain fully aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda,” he affirmed.
In his acceptance speech titled A New Dawn of Unity and Progress, Babatunde pledged to run an open, disciplined and inclusive administration, declaring that internal divisions within the party must give way to unity.
He described his emergence as a collective triumph and a reaffirmation of the party’s strength and commitment to internal democracy.
Babatunde commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing a level playing field for aspirants and quoted John Locke, saying, “the end of law is to preserve and enlarge freedom.”
He assured the governor that under his leadership, the party would remain cohesive and organised while supporting the administration’s policies and programmes.
Addressing other aspirants, he said, “There is no winner or loser in this exercise. I am for all, and against none,” stressing that unity remained the party’s greatest asset.
He further promised to revitalise grassroots structures, give youths greater responsibility within the party, promote women into leadership roles and draw on the wisdom and experience of elders.
Earlier, Chairman of the Ondo APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, described the exercise as a reaffirmation of the party’s core values of discipline, progress, fairness and unity.
He commended aspirants for their conduct and urged them to demonstrate maturity and sportsmanship, noting that healthy competition should strengthen rather than divide the party.
Obiekwe also expressed appreciation to security agencies, party officials and observers for their roles, expressing optimism that the congress would produce leaders capable of steering the party to greater electoral victories.
The newly elected executives for the 2026 Ondo State APC Congress are:
State Chairman: Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde
State Deputy Chairman: Olabamidele Olanubi
State Secretary: Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye
State Assistant Secretary: Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye
State Zonal Vice Chairman I: Chief Jamiu Olarewaju Adejoro
State Zonal Vice Chairman II: Kayode Samuel Famuyiwa
State Zonal Vice Chairman III: Hon. Bode Ikulala
State Legal Adviser: Babalola Olutayo
State Assistant Legal Adviser: Tijani Mohammed Salau
State Treasurer: Perebo Pesta Monde
State Assistant Treasurer: Olotu Adekiya Jeremiah
State Financial Secretary: Adewumi Solomon
State Assistant Financial Secretary: Adedinni Tosin
State Organising Secretary: Oladoyin Taiwo Adefemi
State Assistant Organising Secretary: Agboola Adelanke Omotayo
State Publicity Secretary: Muyide Adeyeluwa Kayode
State Assistant Publicity Secretary: Hon. Oyekan Durojaye
State Welfare Secretary: Rev. Folagbade Stephen Olusegun
State Assistant Welfare Secretary: Mrs. Abiola Fayehun
State Auditor: Joseph Gbenga Akinrinlola
State Assistant Auditor: Taiwo Alaba Victor
State Woman Leader: Erelu Oluwayemisi Comedy IJ
State Assistant Woman Leader: Hon. Adedeji Foluke Omowumi
State Youth Leader: Adedeji Clement Opeyemi
State Assistant Youth Leader: Oladodonye Victor Gbenga
State Special Leader: Osayamen Monday
State Senior Youth Leader I: Oluwole Olugbode
State Senior Youth Leader II: Paul Olakunle Adeniyi
State Senior Youth Leader III: Oriade Abiodun Taofeek
State Senior Women Leader I: Abiola Mary Oluwamodupe
State Senior Women Leader II: Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Oluwadare
State Senior Women Leader III: Funmilayo Omogbemi
State Ex-Officio I: Ijaleye Samson Olufemi
State Ex-Officio II: Daramola Adesuyi
State Ex-Officio III: Omosebi Toba
State Ex-Officio IV: Alhaji Fatai Olawale
0 Comments