Ondo APC leaders unite behind Aiyedatiwa, rallies massive support for Tinubu’s 2027 second term
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday unanimously affirmed Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the party’s leader in the state and pledged their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general election.
The endorsement was the high point of a meeting between the governor and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), alongside other key stakeholders of the party, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure, shortly after the party’s recent primaries.
The meeting also resolved to prioritise reconciliation among aggrieved members, strengthen internal cohesion and preserve the unity and progressive ideals of the APC in the state.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the GAC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, described the gathering as the council’s first since the primaries, noting that it underscored the commitment of party leaders to resolving differences and ensuring the stability of the party.
Akinyelure recalled that the last meeting of the council was held on August 9 last year, expressing gratitude to God for preserving the state and granting leaders another opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting the growth and prosperity of Ondo State and the APC.
He emphasised that the party’s greatest strength lies in its unity of purpose, adding that disagreements arising from political contests are normal in a democratic setting and should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, selflessness and sacrifice.
The GAC chairman urged party leaders and government officials to work collectively towards the 2027 general election, with a view to surpassing the state’s performance in the 2023 presidential poll, where Ondo recorded one of the highest percentages of votes for Tinubu nationwide.
He commended the Aiyedatiwa administration for its efforts and assured the governor of the council’s continued support, while cautioning members against division, bitterness and unnecessary rancour.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Akinyelure reiterated that party leaders had unanimously endorsed Aiyedatiwa as the APC leader in the state, adding that the meeting reviewed critical issues and expressed satisfaction with steps taken to strengthen unity.
Also speaking, former Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Ajayi Boroffice, said the leaders resolved to support the governor and ensure that all party members recognise his leadership within the party structure in the state.
Boroffice described Aiyedatiwa as the central figure representing the APC in Ondo State, noting that the meeting resolved to intensify efforts towards Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while improving on the party’s previous electoral performance.
He further disclosed that the leaders would engage the national leadership of the party to reaffirm their solidarity and formally communicate the resolutions reached at the meeting.
Similarly, the APC South-West Vice Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, said more than 30 party leaders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to Tinubu’s re-election bid and agreed that all support groups within the state should operate under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Kekemeke therefore called on the party’s national leadership to ensure inclusiveness by involving all major stakeholders in decisions affecting Ondo State.
