Ondo APC expands stakeholders’ forum to deepen unity ahead of elections

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled new measures aimed at strengthening internal cohesion and expanding participation within the party as preparations begin for future electoral contests in the state.

The resolutions were adopted during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party secretariat in Akure and chaired by the state APC Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde. Party leaders used the meeting to assess the party’s current standing and chart strategies for sustaining its dominance across the state.

A major outcome of the deliberations was the decision to restructure and enlarge the quarterly stakeholders’ forum with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the party leader in Ondo State. Participants observed that the existing arrangement did not adequately reflect the broad spectrum of interests and membership within the APC.

To address this concern, stakeholders agreed that future meetings should accommodate former and serving members of the National Assembly and the Ondo State House of Assembly, past and current commissioners, former and serving local government chairmen, as well as other influential party figures who have contributed to the party’s growth.

The meeting also resolved that participation in future engagements should be based on members’ loyalty, commitment and contributions to the APC rather than affiliations with political caucuses or interest groups. Stakeholders said the approach would foster inclusiveness and reduce divisions within the party.

Speaking during the meeting, former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Victor Olabimtan, urged the party leadership to sanction members whose actions or public comments could undermine the APC or the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa. He warned that such conduct could weaken party unity and erode public confidence.

Stakeholders further called on elected officials and political appointees to work closely with party structures in implementing empowerment programmes. They stressed that grassroots members who played key roles in the party’s electoral successes should be given priority consideration in government interventions and opportunities.

Babatunde reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to building an inclusive and united party, expressing confidence that the proposed reforms would strengthen participation and internal harmony. The meeting concluded with a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, Governor Aiyedatiwa and the state APC leadership, while stakeholders pledged continued support for the party’s future electoral ambitions.