Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday reaffirmed Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the party in the state and pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came during a meeting between Governor Aiyedatiwa, members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), and other party stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure.
The meeting, convened in the aftermath of the party’s recent primaries, also focused on reconciliation efforts aimed at strengthening internal cohesion, promoting unity, and preserving the progressive ideals of the APC ahead of future electoral contests.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Pius Akinyelure, described the gathering as the council’s first meeting since the primaries and said it reflected the determination of party leaders to resolve differences and safeguard the stability and future of the APC in Ondo State.
Akinyelure recalled that the council last met on August 9, 2025, expressing gratitude to God for preserving the state and granting leaders another opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting the development of Ondo State and the growth of the party.
He noted that the APC’s greatest strength remained its unity of purpose, stressing that disagreements arising from political contests were natural in a democratic setting and could be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, selflessness and sacrifice.
The GAC chairman urged party leaders and government officials to work together ahead of the 2027 elections, with a view to surpassing Ondo State’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, where the state recorded one of the highest percentages of votes for President Tinubu nationwide.
He also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration and assured him of the council’s continued support, while calling on party members to avoid division, bitterness and unnecessary rancour.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Akinyelure said the leaders unanimously endorsed Governor Aiyedatiwa as the APC leader in Ondo State.
“We have unanimously endorsed Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the APC in Ondo State. We reviewed issues affecting the party and are satisfied that necessary adjustments have been made to strengthen unity within our fold,” he said.
Also speaking, former Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, said the meeting resolved to rally support for the governor and ensure that all party members recognised his leadership.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is the institution representing the APC in Ondo State. We have resolved to support him and intensify efforts towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 while improving on the state’s performance in the last presidential election,” Boroffice said.
He added that party leaders would engage the national leadership of the APC to reaffirm their solidarity and communicate the resolutions reached at the meeting.
On his part, the South-West Vice Chairman of the APC, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, disclosed that more than 30 party leaders attended the meeting and collectively reaffirmed their commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to him, the leaders also resolved that all APC support groups operating in the state should function under the leadership and coordination of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Kekemeke further urged the national leadership of the party to ensure that all major stakeholders were adequately involved in decisions affecting Ondo State.
The meeting is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the APC leadership in the state to foster reconciliation and consolidate party unity following the recently concluded primaries, as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.