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  • Ondo APC Aborigines intensify grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Ondo APC Aborigines intensify grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Leaders and elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the platform of Ondo APC Aborigines, have stepped up grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The mobilisation follows the registration of over 100,000 digitally verified members across the state, barely two weeks after the commencement of the party’s nationwide membership e-registration exercise.

    The group made its position known on Tuesday during the inauguration of local government and ward coordinating committees for the Tinubu 2027 campaign in Odigbo and Ese Odo Local Government Areas.

    Speaking at the event, the convener of Ondo APC Aborigines, Mr Sola Iji, said the group was ready to harness the ongoing e-registration exercise to secure electoral victories for President Tinubu and other candidates of the APC in the 2027 polls.

    Iji, an ambassador-designate, urged party members to work closely with other APC leaders and stakeholders in their respective communities to ensure extensive voter mobilisation for the party

    “We respect the existing structures of the party and appreciate the efforts of other support groups canvassing for the re-election of President Tinubu.

    “We shall cooperate and collaborate with all stakeholders, not only to win Ondo State for the President but to maximise our returns at the polls,” he said.

    He also emphasised that the numerical strength and extensive grassroots network of the Aborigines would be deployed to reach voters across the length and breadth of the state.

    “Our numerical strength and network of canvassers at the polling unit level should work to our advantage in reaching out to voters in the nooks and crannies of Ondo State,” Iji added.

    Read Also: APC conflict resolution committee begins work ahead of 2027 polls

    The convener also urged members of the group to continually pray for leaders at all levels of government, seeking divine guidance and wisdom in governance.

    Cautioning members against engaging in activities capable of polarising the APC in the state, Iji urged them to embrace the ongoing e-registration exercise aimed at strengthening and consolidating the APC.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, described Ondo APC Aborigines as critical stakeholders in the party, noting that their role was pivotal to strengthening the APC and mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

    Similarly, at the inauguration in Ese Odo Local Government Area, Famous Guntei commended members of the Aborigines for their resilience and commitment to the party.

    He, however, advised them to remain steadfast, unite with other APC stakeholders, and work tirelessly to secure a convincing victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

  • Ondo APC records over 100,000 digitally verified members in two weeks 

    Ondo APC records over 100,000 digitally verified members in two weeks 

    …as group lauds Aiyedatiwa for propelling Ondo to second place nationwide

    …tablets, portable energy storage devices, other logistics provided for training.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has recorded over 100,000 digitally verified members across the state, just two weeks after the commencement of the party’s nationwide membership e-registration exercise.

    Bamidele Oladipo, the state coordinator of the Ondo Consolidation Group for AsiwajuDatiwa, disclosed this on Sunday while applauding Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his proactive leadership and support in ensuring a smooth and seamless e-registration process in the state. 

    Oladipo recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa had recently inaugurated a two-day capacity training in Akure for officials involved in the e-registration exercise. 

    He noted the training brought together state coordinators, state senatorial administrators, local government supervisors, and ward agents, who are central to the successful implementation of the exercise.

    Olapido said the governor became the first APC member in the state to revalidate his membership, receiving membership slip number 001 at the training, underscoring the strategic importance of the exercise for party consolidation, planning, and future electoral success.

    “Further demonstrating his resolve to mobilise the good people of Ondo State for active participation in the exercise, Governor Aiyedatiwa has, at different fora, continued to appeal to party members, prospective members and traditional rulers across the state to come out en masse, without compulsion, to be part of the historic exercise aimed at strengthening the APC.

    “In fulfilment of his pledge during the capacity training to provide all required equipment, tools and logistics, tablet devices were distributed at the commencement of the exercise to State Senatorial Administrators and Local Government Supervisors to enhance real-time monitoring and coordination.

    “In addition, all 203 Ward Agents and their respective Local Government Supervisors were provided with portable energy storage devices to mitigate the challenges posed by unstable power supply.”

    He added, “All officials engaged for this critical assignment have also received data subscriptions to guarantee uninterrupted internet access, while physical registration forms were distributed across all wards to aid the easy collation of biodata of prospective registrants in the state’s 3,933 polling units, thereby ensuring seamless and efficient data capturing.

    “To further ease operations, a specified amount of money was made available to all Supervisors and Ward Agents to facilitate mobility within their wards and Local Government Areas, both for effective registration of prospective members and proper monitoring of the exercise.

    “These timely interventions and strategic support from the Governor have significantly boosted the effectiveness of the exercise, with Ondo State currently ranked second next to Lagos in the South West Zone in the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise.

    “To ensure smooth operations, the governor provided all officials with tablet devices for real-time monitoring, portable energy storage devices to address unstable power supply, data subscriptions for uninterrupted internet access, and physical registration forms for easy collation of biodata in the state’s 3,933 polling units,” he said. 

    Oladipo further noted that these timely interventions and strategic support have significantly boosted the exercise, placing Ondo State second in the South West Zone, only behind Lagos, in the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise.

    He, however, commended Aiyedatiwa for prioritizing competence through the appointment of Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, as State Coordinator, and for providing all the necessary materials to ensure a successful exercise.

    “I also commend the State Coordinator for assembling a highly competent and committed team of State Senatorial Administrators, Local Government Supervisors and Ward Agents, whose collective efforts have made this laudable achievement possible.

    “The APC membership e-registration exercise is currently ongoing across all wards in Ondo State. Existing party members are required to revalidate their membership, while prospective members are encouraged to visit designated registration centres in their respective wards for enrolment. 

    “Both existing and new members are required to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and Voter’s Identification Number (VIN) to the e-registration officials during the process. The exercise is scheduled to end on 30th January 2026,” he added.

  • 2027: Ondo APC elders back Tinubu’s second term, launch health drive for elderly

    2027: Ondo APC elders back Tinubu’s second term, launch health drive for elderly

    Elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most suitable leader to pilot the affairs of Nigeria beyond 2027, citing his experience, reform agenda, and commitment to national development.

    The APC elders, under the aegis of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, made the declaration in Akure during a free medical outreach programme organised for elderly residents of the state in support of President Tinubu’s re-election.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, the chairman of the Ondo APC Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Erastus Akeju, said President Tinubu has demonstrated the capacity, courage, and political will required to address Nigeria’s longstanding socio-economic challenges.

    Akeju noted that although some of the reforms introduced at the early stage of the administration came with initial hardships, they are already laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.

    “Our major focus is the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, we know that health is wealth, and many of our elders need medical attention. That is why we decided to integrate healthcare into our meetings,” he said.

    According to him, President Tinubu remains the best option for Nigeria at this critical period because of his bold decision-making style.

    “It is obvious that President Tinubu is the very best to lead Nigeria at this time. We need a leader who can make difficult decisions, take risks, and stand by his words. Only a few leaders can initiate the kind of reforms he has embarked upon.

    “He has even taken decisions that could jeopardise his political career, but because he has the interest of Nigerians at heart, he chose the path of sacrifice. We are nearing a precipice, and someone has to rock the boat to rescue the nation. That is exactly what President Tinubu has done,” Akeju said.

    He called on Nigerians to exercise patience and continue supporting the administration, stressing that the benefits of the reforms would soon translate into improved living conditions for citizens.

    As part of activities marking the endorsement, the APC elders commenced a free medical outreach targeted at elderly people across parts of Ondo State.

    The medical outreach, sponsored by Dr Tunji-Ojo, provided free healthcare services, including screening and treatment for diabetes and hypertension, laboratory investigations, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, and free distribution of essential drugs

    Addressing the gathering, Chief Akeju described the outreach as a practical demonstration of the impact of President Tinubu’s leadership, delivered through the interventions of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    He also urged the elders to convert their appreciation into political mobilisation.

    “The dividends of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership are being felt directly by our people through our son, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Physically, materially, politically, and now health-wise, the impact is clear. Continuity is therefore non-negotiable.

    “Every elder here must be a mobiliser in their community. Get your PVCs ready. Talk to your children and neighbours. A government that remembers the elderly deserves a second term,” he added.

    A guest lecturer at the event and Consultant Geriatrician at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Dr Joy Eloho-Orji, spoke on ageing and cognitive health, explaining that gradual memory loss, reduced attention span, and impaired judgement are often linked to age-related cognitive decline.

    “Ageing comes with challenges, but many of them are manageable. Adequate water intake, regular medical check-ups, and quality sleep are essential for maintaining good cognitive and physical health,” she said.

    The facilitator of the programme, Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi, described the outreach as part of a consistent pattern of people-oriented leadership by Dr Tunji-Ojo, noting that the Minister has remained connected to the grassroots despite his national assignment.

    “From regular engagements with elders to job creation, infrastructural support, and now free healthcare, Dr Tunji-Ojo has shown that governance is about service,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Secretary of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, emphasised the need for party consolidation ahead of future elections.

    “Beyond today’s programme, we must strengthen our party from the grassroots. The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is critical, and we urge all elders and party faithful to register and update their details. A strong party structure guarantees victory,” he said.

  • Ondo APC chairman urges members to participate in e-registration

    Ondo APC chairman urges members to participate in e-registration

    …says ongoing exercise key to party’s strength 

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, has called on party members and stalwarts across the 18 local government areas of the state to actively participate in the ongoing electronic registration (e-registration) and revalidation exercise.

    Adetimehin said the nationwide e-registration exercise is crucial to the ruling party’s preparedness ahead of future general elections, noting that it is aimed at strengthening inclusiveness, cohesion and internal democracy within the APC.

    The state APC chairman spoke at the weekend in his hometown of Idanre Local Government Area shortly after revalidating his membership during the ongoing nationwide e-registration and revalidation exercise of the party.

    According to him, the exercise would enable the APC to build a credible and verifiable membership database, enhance internal democracy and improve coordination at all levels of the party.

    “Let me use this opportunity to encourage our party members to actively participate in the ongoing e-registration exercise. The success of this process will determine how well we organise, plan and mobilise as a party. I urge all members to come out en masse and register.

    “As the leading party in Ondo State and Nigeria, we should justify our numerical strength through proper documentation of our membership. I also encourage party leaders and stakeholders to not only participate but to intensify mobilisation and awareness creation at the grassroots,” he said.

    Engr. Adetimehin explained that the exercise would capture new members as well as update the records of existing ones, thereby ensuring proper representation and participation in party activities.

    While assuring members of fairness and transparency in the party’s affairs, he urged ward, local government and state executives to mobilise members to take advantage of the exercise, stressing that the process is simple, transparent and accessible.

    He further assured that the party leadership would address any technical challenges that might arise during the exercise to ensure that no willing member is left out, while appealing to party stalwarts to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the process.

    The APC chairman added that the e-registration aligns with the party’s commitment to reforms and the use of technology to deepen participation and accountability within its structures, noting that unity and discipline remain critical to the party’s progress in the state.

    Engr. Adetimehin reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to justice, equity, fairness, and inclusive governance, assuring that the party would continue to carry the people along in all its programmes.

    The e-registration exercise is expected to run across all wards in the state, with designated centres and officials assigned to guide members through the process.

  • ‘Overzealous aides should not breed disaffection in Ondo APC’

    ‘Overzealous aides should not breed disaffection in Ondo APC’

    Ondo State Coordinator of All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Movement for Tinubu, Otunba Agboola Kelly, has cautioned party members against statements capable of creating tension in the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Speaking to reporters in Akure, Kelly warned Prof. Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, against actions he described as fostering disaffection among party members.

    He labelled Prof. Odimayo as an “overzealous aide” pursuing personal political interests under the guise of protecting the governor.

    But in a swift reaction, Odimayo accused Kelly of misrepresenting the “fact,” explaining that it would be illogical that Aiyedatiwa should be President Tinubu’s campaign leader in the state when the governor automatically, in accordance with the party’s constitution, doubled as the leader in the state.

    He said the 2027 presidential election was a national assignment, noting that every loyal member, group, or association had a right to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without seeking permission from anyone.

    “What Simidele Odimayo and his co-travellers are doing is clear – they want to curry favour in Abuja by creating a crisis that does not exist,” Kelly said.

    He said personal ambitions should not “overheat the polity or sow seeds of disaffection among our people,” adding that the state was bigger than any individual.

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    Citing past campaigns, Kelly noted that dozens of independent support groups – including Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation (LACO), Friends of Lucky, Aiyedatiwa Vanguard, The Lucky Guys, Youths for Lucky, and Women for Aiyedatiwa – worked toward the governor’s victory in 2024 without posing a threat to him.

    He said similar dynamics would unfold in 2027, with groups complementing, rather than rivalling, the official campaign structure coordinated by the governor.

    “The peace and unity currently enjoyed in Ondo APC were hard-won. We will not watch selfish individuals import crisis where none exists, all in a bid to position themselves for 2027 patronage,” he added.

    Kelly noted that highly effective independent support groups reportedly sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), were promoting the President across the state.

    He said Prof. Odimayo’s call for “sole leadership” for the governor was a reaction to Tunji-Ojo’s growing influence.

    Reacting, Prof. Odimayo denied misrepresenting facts.

    He clarified that the governor automatically leads the APC in Ondo State, making any special designation unnecessary.

    “The governor’s popularity and performance naturally make him the rallying point for Tinubu’s 2027 bid. Independent support groups exist because of his performance and do not pose a threat,” Odimayo said.

    He highlighted the governor’s unprecedented success in winning all 18 local governments in the 2024 election as evidence of his widespread acceptance.

    According to Odimayo, emphasising the governor’s performance is aimed at ensuring Ondo State continues to deliver strong support for Tinubu in 2027.

    “The essence is to remind people of what the governor has been doing to ensure the state makes great progress. Every other campaigner is doing so because of the governor’s performance,” he said.

  • Key figures in PDP, SDP, AA defect to Ondo APC

    Key figures in PDP, SDP, AA defect to Ondo APC

    The opposition camp in Ondo State became weakened yesterday, following the defection of prominent figures from the parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Notable leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Alliance (AA), under the umbrella of Nigeria Workstation, have formally joined the APC.

    Among the defectors are the former publicity secretary of PDP, Kennedy Peretei; ex-chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government and SDP chieftain, Olutope Adebambo; and Mrs Rachael Ajayi, the 2020 deputy governorship candidate of SDP.

    Others include Blessing Ologun, ex-assistant state treasurer of the PDP, and Omotayo Obolo, popularly called Mitchel, a former special assistant to ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    In a statement issued in Akure yesterday, Mr Adebambo, who serves as the director of Mobilisation of Nigeria Workstation, confirmed the final arrangements for the defection.

    READ ALSO: Quick steps to apply for NELFUND 2025/2026 student loan

    He said APC state Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, along with members of the state Executive Committee, would formally receive the defectors into the ruling party.

    He added that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would receive the “instrument of surrender’’ from the grassroots politicians, many of whom had posed a formidable challenge to his administration and APC in past elections.

    The development is viewed as a significant political realignment expected to further strengthen APC’s dominance ahead of future elections in the state.

  • Ondo APC denies rift among members, pledges loyalty to Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo APC denies rift among members, pledges loyalty to Aiyedatiwa

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has dismissed claims of a division within its ranks, describing the reports as baseless speculation.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure, the party’s publicity secretary, Alex Kalejaye, said the APC remains strong and united, contrary to rumours suggesting otherwise.

    Kalejaye specifically denied allegations of a rift between the state party chairman, Ade Adetimehin, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, insisting that the relationship between the two leaders is cordial.

    He also refuted claims that a meeting was held in Abuja by Adetimehin and some local government chairmen where anti-Aiyedatiwa decisions were allegedly taken ahead of the 2027 general election.

    “There is no truth in the reports of any crack or internal sabotage. The party is focused, united, and fully committed to supporting the government and delivering good governance to the people of Ondo State,” Kalejaye stated.

    Read Also: Tribunal verdict: Aiyedatiwa extends olive branch to Ajayi, others

    “Mr. Governor (Aiyedatiwa) is the leader of the state chapter, and no major decision can be taken without his consent and endorsement, including who contests for whatever elective position.

    “Ondo State APC is known for cohesion and stability. We want to appeal to the leaders and supporters of the party to keep faith with it.

    “The governor and leader of the party is determined to ensure the physical and economic development of the State. The party appeals for an enabling environment and cooperation to accelerate the realisation of plans.

    “The State chapter will continue to pursue goals and aspirations that promote the well-being of our party faithful in particular, and the State in general,” he added. 

  • Oluboyo: Why I want to be Ondo APC chairman

    Oluboyo: Why I want to be Ondo APC chairman

    Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, is among the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains vying for the position of party chairman at the next congress. In this interview with Osagie Otabor, he explains his vision for the party.

    Why do you think the APC is still the party to beat?

    The magic is not far fetched and one can easily explain it by what I can call the party’s program. You know, every party has its manifesto and Nigerians are continuing to see the improvement in economy and the programmes of the former administration, I’m talking about the PDP. Rome was not built in a day. Things have been spoilt so much. It has gone beyond repairs. But when Buhari came, I know that there were so many areas to be covered. But thank God, after his eight years, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu came. You know, in government, there is no vacuum. So he inherited all the asset and liability of Buhari. He sat down to look at the economy and how it can better. He has started working but the only problem we have in Nigeria is that we are so much in haste. Tinubu has not spent two years in office. By May this year, he would be two years in office. So how do you expect him to cover the lost ground, but I can assure you he will do well. You can see how petrol has been frustrating before. When it go up, it will not come down. But now, when it go ups, it also comes down, so it can go up again, but it will still come come down. So I have hope in this government. I will not deceive you.

    What do you see in the future of Ondo APC ahead of its Congress?

     I believe you are a journalist, an investigative journalists who will go to the grassroot to know what is going on before you make any publication? As at today, there is no opposition in Ondo state, whether you believe it or not but that is the truth. That is what is on the ground? In the last election, it was 18 zero. We won in all the 18 local government areas. It has never happened in the history of Ondo state where even the candidate of the PDP hails from, we beat him hands down in his Ward, in his unit and his local government. So it has never happened in the history of Ondo state when it comes to politics. Yes, Ondo APC Congress is very close to us, but we have our tradition. It’s one house, unity of purpose and we are focused. That is why since APC took the power for leadership, it has not failed and we will continue to win more, more states. Samething will continue to go on in Ondo State. Ondo state is key. We are lucky we are having Lucky Aiyedatiwa. So if you look at the administration of our present governor. I hope you know what Ondo used to look like in the past, now you can see that there are so many infrastructures coming up. Roundabouts, roads that we speak for us as a state capital and attract investments. You can see the street light and so many things are coming up within a few weeks. Don’t forget, he has just started his own tenure and he has four years to spend before looking forward. So we now know what next after four years, but I can assure you, by the time Aiyedatiwa finished his four years tenure Ondo state people will know that things have changed and that he is a governor that needs to continue.

    Do you think the people will continue to vote the APC in Ondo?

     Yes, I don’t have doubt in my mind about that. I’m a politician and I’m a grassroot politician. For the first time, I’m having Zonal appointment. I am a

    Director in Wemabod but all my life has been in the state. I have so many groups. I know so many people. I know what is going on.  I’ve said it earlier thay there is no opposition in Ondo State. If somebody is thinking that one party is coming to sweep on Ondo state, that person is wasting his time. Lucky is a very young, sharp guy. He knows how and where the shoe pinches us, and I can assure you that he will address it. So all what we need to do is to be prayerful and to be patient. I’m an advocate of the efficacy of prayer. I so much believe in prayer. I’m a Muslim. So with prayer, everything is possible.

    are well known. What have they done? Once you have been giveWhy do you want to serve as Ondo APC Chairman?

     I’m interested. So if the coast is clear, if the people of Ondo State, if the party, particularly the membership of APC, deem it fit that this person should be, so be it. And when you look at my pedigree, my achievements, where I’ve worked, you will see I am due for the APC Chairmanship position. I’ve been Commissioner twice in this state. When I was a commissioner for Natural Resources, I made that place what it is today. It was full of crisis. I was appointed and I left the place without any crisis. There is no crisis because I put crisis mechanism in place. There is no day you do not see them fighting. Before I came there was no Commissioner that served in that place that they didnt lock up. I was once a civil servant. So I made my number available at all time. I am not a sectional leader and I did crisis management, so I know how to manage human resources and the human themselves. I know how to manage it. Even the opposition, some of them are coming. So by the time, if God decide, I become the chairman, you will see a lot of things that will come up. That is if the party leadership give me the opportunity to serve. I’m interested.

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    Why do you think you are the best?

    I am a human like you. It’s because I’m a human being, and not only that, I know those who are above me, and I know who I’m above. I don’t know maybe you understand that analysis. What I’m saying is that among those who are contesting for now, what are their pedigree? So if you look at their pedigree, if you ask for their pedigree, and you ask for my own pedigree, then you’ll be able to know that what I’m saying is the truth. I don’t want to mention names. I’ve told you where I have served. Presently, I’m a Director in Wemabod, a subsidiary of Odua, and it’s a multi million company. I’ve served, and I’ve been tested and trusted. So if they give me the opportunity, I will demonstrate all the experience I’ve acquired for long. We have so many people that are good too, but we have the best. I think I’m the best. None of them has served as a deputy governor. None of them has acted as a Governor of this state. I’ve acted as a Governor of this state for six months when my boss was not around. So, go and ask them. go and ask for their pedigree. They will say that I’m the best.

    What do you think that need to be fix in the Ondo APC?

    Let me commend this outgoing Ondo APC administration. There is not much to be fixed. What we need is to harness our area of comparative advantages. Somebody that is there now has spent eight years, if I’m not mistaken. The Constitution can speak about that one. That is what we need to change. Somebody there now has done his best. He is one of the best state Chairman as far as APC is concerned. And in the APC in Ondo state, there is no crisis. So if somebody is telling you that he want to fix or he has something to fix. There is nothing to be fixed. The only thing to be fixed is to maintain the status quo and ensure the continuity. So we need to continue the harmony. We need to continue in peace. We need to work together. So we the party and the government need to be in the same page so you understand. The only area that I can spot is the benefit tomembers of the party. So we need to sit down and see how can we help the masses? First, the masses. What do we do? What are we going to empower the masses, and how are we going to improve the standard of the people living in Ondo state, and also our party member? So that’s the only area. And you see, when you started something, something have to be amended. The foundation has been laid. That’s why I give kudos to the our past leaders and our present leaders including Engr Ade Adetimehin who is the present APC Chairman. That man has done a yeoman’s job. He is the best Chairman when it comes to membership drive. Go and check. people that joined the APC during his time and that is why when election comes up, there is no much opposition. People that are supposed to be in party B are already in party A. Their impact will be in the present party they are. So I’m going to continue on that serious membership drive to the extent that we will not have opposition in Ondo state. Like I’ve said, what members benefit is going to be paramount in my administration, if I’m giving the opportunity. During the Adefarati regime as Governor, there was local content. Local content is very, very important. We have artisans here who knows the job.  Before we consider people from outside the state, we first of all look how our people can benefit from this. And when you give out a job out to the local contractor, a competent local contractor, not just any contractor. We have all the materials sourced from Ondo state even the food vendor will also benefit. People that get this contract are doing something, one thing or the other. So they will be able to pay school fees. There’s so many things. I’ve been in government before.

  • Five jostle for Ondo APC chairmanship position

    Five jostle for Ondo APC chairmanship position

    Five prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have declared their interest in the chairmanship position of the party ahead of its forthcoming congresses.

    Though the party is yet to announce a date for the congresses, the contest for the top seat—zoned to the Ondo North senatorial district—is already gaining momentum.

    The position is currently held by Engr. Ade Adetimehin, under whose leadership the party has recorded two governorship victories and maintained internal unity.

    The contenders vying for the chairmanship are Hon. Victor Olabimtan, His Excellency Lasisi Oluboyo, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde (aka Amechie), Prince Akingbade Amodeni, and Mr. Jide Owoka.

    Hon. Olabimtan, a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, currently serves as Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    Read Also: Ondo APC leaders deny working for opposition parties

    Oluboyo was deputy governor under former Governor Olusegun Mimiko and previously held the positions of Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    Babatunde represented Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2019 and later served as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    As the contest unfolds, political watchers are closely monitoring how the race will shape the future of the APC in Ondo state.

  • Ondo APC quakes

    Ondo APC quakes

    • Party exco meets today

    The Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State will hold a crucial meeting today to deliberate on the crisis arising from the nomination of candidates for local government elections.

    The meeting was summoned, following protests by chieftains from many local government chapters over the alleged manipulation of candidates’ list.

    Protesters have invaded the state party secretariat in Akure, the state capital, sacking the staff after they barricaded the road.

    The protesters called for the probe of the compromised process.

    Party chairman Ade Adetimehin was accused of ‘adjusting’ the list of candidates in some local governments without prior consultations with stakeholders.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has been inundated with complaints from the grassroots chapters about imposition of candidates, intervened in the crisis yesterday to douse tension.

    Read Also: Ogun 2027 and the cacophony of voices

    A source said the governor has personally taken charge of the nominations, to restore party members’ confidence and foster equity and fairness.

    According to the source, the governor summoned a meeting of some party officers last night to discuss the way out of the logjam without polarising the state chapter.

    A circular on today’s meeting has been sent to the party officers and the main item on the agenda is the protest triggered by the handling of the nomination by the state executive council.

    “At today’s meeting, other allegations would be laid bare and the chairman may be ask to defend himself. The governor is not happy that the nomination is not tidy at a time the party should go into the council polls with the excitement of its huge success at last month’s governorship election in which the party won in all 18 local government areas. He frowns at the unilateral decision of the chairman,” he added.

    Adetimehin, an engineer, succeeded Isaacs Kekemeke as chairman, almost eight years ago.

    Kekemeke is from South senatorial district and Adetimehin is from Central senatorial district.

    Party insiders said since the position is rotational, the next party chairman will come from Ondo North senatorial district.