Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that securing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections must remain a top priority for members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. He said party unity and cooperation are crucial to achieving this goal as political activities gradually gather momentum across the country.
The governor made the call while addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the APC quarterly stakeholders’ meeting in Ondo State. The meeting brought together party leaders, elected officials and key members from different parts of the state to review party activities and discuss the way forward.
Aiyedatiwa urged party members to close ranks and avoid actions that could create division within the APC. He warned that internal conflicts driven by personal ambition or rivalry could weaken the party and affect its performance in future elections.
“We must collectively work to deliver Ondo State for President Tinubu in 2027,” the governor said. “Party cohesion is essential if we want to succeed.”
President Bola Tinubu was elected in 2023 after a closely contested election that saw strong challenges from opposition parties. Since assuming office, his administration has introduced major economic and policy reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange changes, which have generated mixed reactions across the country.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, political parties are beginning early preparations. For the APC, which controls the Federal Government and several states, retaining power at the centre remains a key objective. Governors and party leaders are expected to play a major role in mobilising support at the grassroots level.
In Ondo State, the APC has remained the ruling party, and the state is seen as important to the party’s electoral calculations in the South-West.
Governor Aiyedatiwa cautioned APC members against undermining party leadership or attacking fellow members, even while supporting preferred aspirants for future elections. He said unhealthy competition and internal disputes could damage the party’s chances at the polls.
He stressed that while members are free to support individuals of their choice, such support should not come at the expense of party unity.
“Actions that weaken the party from within will only help our opponents,” he warned.
The governor explained that the quarterly stakeholders’ meeting was introduced to improve communication within the party. According to him, the platform allows party members to share feedback, raise concerns and work together to strengthen both the party and governance in the state.
During the meeting, Aiyedatiwa highlighted some of the achievements of his administration. He said the state government has stepped up efforts in the health sector, with several health facilities undergoing renovation.
He also disclosed that standby ambulances have been provided across local government areas to improve emergency response and access to healthcare, especially in rural communities.
The governor said his administration is committed to balanced development across the state, noting that ongoing projects are spread across all local councils.
“Our focus is to ensure that every part of the state feels the impact of governance,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also revealed that the Federal Government has approved the revalidation of Ondo State’s deep seaport licence. According to him, the earlier registration of the licence contained errors that did not properly reflect the state’s identity.
The deep seaport project is seen as a major economic opportunity for Ondo State. If fully developed, it is expected to boost trade, create jobs and increase revenue for the state and the country.
The governor said the revalidation of the licence is a positive step and shows the Federal Government’s support for the state’s development agenda.
Earlier in his remarks, the APC Chairman in Ondo State, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, who was represented by the party’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Atili Agabra, said the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for party members to engage directly with the governor.
He praised the state government for its inclusive approach to governance and party management. Agabra also commended the administration for employing youths across various ministries, departments and agencies, describing it as a major step toward reducing unemployment.
He said the level of engagement between the government and different organs of the party was unprecedented in the state.
The APC National Vice Chairman for the South-West, Mr. Isaac Kekemeke, also addressed the meeting. He reaffirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains the leader of the APC in Ondo State.
While acknowledging the presence of other influential party leaders, Kekemeke said the governor is the principal mobiliser for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition in the state.
He added that President Tinubu has confidence in APC governors across the country and described Aiyedatiwa as a loyal party man and a key figure in the President’s 2027 campaign efforts in Ondo State.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is a strong loyalist and a dependable leader,” Kekemeke said.
Kekemeke observed that most criticisms facing the government are coming from within the APC rather than from opposition parties. He said parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party no longer pose a serious threat to the APC in Ondo State.
However, he warned that internal disagreements could still weaken the party if not properly managed.
He urged the governor to continue accommodating different interests within the APC and to lead efforts aimed at maintaining unity as the state moves closer to future elections.
As political activities increase nationwide, the message from the APC leadership in Ondo State is clear: unity remains the party’s strongest asset. With the 2027 elections still some distance away, party leaders are already laying the groundwork to ensure success at both state and national levels.
