The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has moved to close ranks behind Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, unanimously reaffirming him as the party’s leader in the state following the political tensions that trailed the party’s recent local government primaries.
The endorsement came on Wednesday during a high-level meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and other APC stakeholders held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Akure.
The gathering, widely seen as a major reconciliation move after the controversy surrounding the outcome of the APC primaries, where several candidates reportedly backed by the governor failed to secure party tickets, resolved to unite the party, strengthen internal cohesion and refocus efforts on future electoral victories.
Chairman of the GAC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, described the meeting as a crucial step towards healing divisions within the party, stressing that disagreements arising from political contests were normal in any democratic setting and should be resolved through dialogue, sacrifice and mutual respect.
He urged party leaders and members to put aside grievances and work together to ensure greater success for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akinyelure also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and assured him of the council’s unwavering support, while calling on party faithful to shun bitterness and actions capable of weakening the APC in the state.
Speaking after the meeting, Akinyelure announced that the leaders unanimously endorsed Governor Aiyedatiwa as the undisputed leader of the APC in Ondo State, adding that necessary steps had been taken to consolidate unity within the party.
Former Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Ajayi Boroffice, also reaffirmed the leaders’ confidence in the governor, describing him as the political institution representing the APC in Ondo State.
He disclosed that party leaders resolved to mobilise support for President **Bola Ahmed Tinubu>’s re-election in 2027 while improving on the state’s performance recorded during the 2023 presidential election.
Also speaking, APC South-West Vice Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, said more than 30 party leaders attended the meeting and collectively reaffirmed their loyalty to both President Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa.
He stated that all APC support groups in Ondo State would henceforth operate under the governor’s leadership, while urging the party’s national leadership to continue engaging critical stakeholders in decisions affecting the state.
The meeting is expected to calm political tensions within the ruling party and reinforce Governor Aiyedatiwa’s authority as APC leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
