APC South-West Congress: Aiyedatiwa hails Kekemeke’s re-election as party sets benchmark in Lagos
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated Isaac Kekemeke on his re-election as the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the outcome as a reflection of tested leadership and party cohesion.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan said Aiyedatiwa, who spoke after the party’s zonal congress in Lagos, said the unanimous return of Kekemeke underscored the confidence reposed in him following what he termed significant transformation of the party in the zone over the past four years.
The congress, held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, drew 1,398 delegates from the six South-West states, with proceedings marked by orderliness, patience and peaceful conduct, in what party leaders described as a historic exercise.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the congress demonstrated the APC’s commitment to internal democracy and disciplined political engagement, noting that the process reflected adherence to laid-down electoral guidelines.
Sanwo-Olu commended delegates for their patience during accreditation, which began at 9 a.m., and lauded their loyalty, adding that the South-West chapter of the party continues to set a national benchmark in political organisation and conduct.
He also acknowledged the presence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party leaders and the media, noting that their participation reinforced transparency and credibility in the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu congratulated Kekemeke and expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly elected zonal executives to deepen the party’s influence in the region.
In his remarks, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, represented by the National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, commended party members for their dedication and described the successful conduct of the congress as a product of unity and divine providence.
He announced the newly elected executives, all chosen through consensus: Dr Isaac Kekemeke (Zonal Vice Chairman), Alfred Aluko (Zonal Secretary), Ismail Majekodunmi (Zonal Legal Adviser), Dr Lateef Ibirogba (Publicity Secretary), Ayobami Afolabi (Organising Secretary), Barrister Daramola Adesuyi (Zonal Youth Leader), and Dayo Insha (Zonal Leader for Persons with Disabilities). Several positions were uncontested following screening by the party committee.
Kekemeke, in his address, traced the party’s growth trajectory in the South-West and praised Sanwo-Olu for facilitating the smooth conduct of the congress despite short notice, describing the event as a defining moment for the party.
He urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum and continue to set standards in party administration nationwide.
In his acceptance speech, Kekemeke outlined key priorities for the new executive, including securing the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and strengthening the party’s chances in the Osun State governorship contest in 2026.
Chairman of the South-West Congress Committee, Jide Jimoh, confirmed INEC’s presence at the congress and affirmed that the process complied with all legal and regulatory provisions.
He subsequently announced the emergence of the zonal executives through consensus, with several positions uncontested following internal screening.
The congress was attended by key stakeholders, including Governors Aiyedatiwa, Dapo Abiodun and Oyebanji, as well as Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami, and Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, among others.
Former governors, members of the National Assembly, state legislators, party leaders and other stakeholders also graced the event, which party officials described as a model for future congresses across the country.
