Ondo APC holds congress, elects Babatunde chairman amid court order controversy

INEC cites Federal High Court order for absence
Group criticises governor over conduct of exercise

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AKURE — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has elected former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, as its new State Chairman, alongside Hon. Alex Kalejaiye as State Secretary and other members of the State Working Committee.

The congress, held in Akure, produced the new executives through a consensus and affirmation process.

However, the exercise took place against the backdrop of a reported order by a Federal High Court restraining the party from conducting the state congress. The suit was said to have been filed by some aggrieved party members.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not monitor the congress. Speaking on the commission’s absence, the Resident Electoral Commissioner’s spokesperson in the state, Yinka Ogunseye, said INEC officials did not attend because there was no directive from its headquarters and in view of the court order restraining the exercise.

“There was no instruction from our headquarters for us to monitor the congress, and we cannot act in disobedience of a court injunction,” Ogunseye stated.

In his reaction, the newly elected State Secretary, Kalejaiye, said the party was not officially served with any court order prior to the congress. He explained that the state chapter acted based on directives from the party’s national leadership.

“To the best of our knowledge, the National Secretariat duly informed INEC about this congress. We were therefore surprised not to see their representatives present,” he said, adding that the party proceeded on the understanding that there was no legal impediment communicated to it.

Babatunde, who previously represented Akoko South West/South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, emerged as chairman alongside other members of the State Working Committee.

Addressing party members at the congress, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged members to uphold unity, discipline and internal democracy.

“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 governor said.

He emphasised the need for members to subordinate personal ambition to collective interest and commended stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful process.

The governor also called on members to support President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing Ondo State as aligned with the administration’s policies.

In his acceptance speech titled A New Dawn of Unity and Progress, Babatunde pledged transparent, disciplined and inclusive leadership. He described his emergence as a collective victory and assured members that efforts would be made to strengthen grassroots structures, promote youth participation and enhance women’s involvement in party leadership.

Earlier, the Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, described the exercise as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to discipline and unity, urging members to remain focused on strengthening the party.

Meanwhile, a youth group, the Oodua Progressive Youth League (OPYL), called on the APC national leadership to review the conduct of the congress in light of the reported court order. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Wale Abdulwaheed, the group expressed concern over the development and commended INEC for what it described as adherence to due process.

The group urged the party’s national leadership to ensure that all actions align with legal and democratic standards.

The newly elected executives include: State Chairman, Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde; Deputy Chairman, Olabamidele Olanubi; State Secretary, Alex Omosehin Kalejaiye; Assistant Secretary, Barr. Olumide Michael Pinpaye; State Legal Adviser, Babalola Olutayo; and Assistant Legal Adviser, Tijani Mohammed Salau, among others.

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