Sam Philip
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and leaders caucus of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the candidate of the party for the 2027 presidential election.
This was decided at meeting organised by the governor where he hosted the leaders caucus of the party on Friday.
He also launched a body to work for the actualization of the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The governor, who held a caucus meeting with leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Friday, formed the body to strengthen the popularity of the party in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, which held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Akure, had statutory members of the party’s Caucus under the leadership of the Governor in attendance, a replica of the National Caucus of the party in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who addressed the party leaders after an interactive session, called for unity among party members in the state.
He expressed optimism that APC would continue to wax stronger in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor stresed that the State Caucus would be meeting on a regular basis.
He reiterated the supremacy of the party, directing that all groups within the party in the state must work under the leadership of the party.
Aiyedatiwa seized the occasion to intimate the party leaders with the efforts of his administration towards the development of the state, particularly since he began his first full term in office in February.
He also disclosed the decision of the National Economic Council to launch the Renewed Hope Ward Development Progrmamme, which is aimed at taking development further to the grassroots.
Therefore , at the end of the meeting, the party leaders unanimously endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, floating an umbrella structure named ‘Ondo State For Tinubu 2027.’
The Caucus subsequently appointed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti and the State Secretary of the APC, Mrs. Roseline Okafor, to coordinate the state secretariat of the Caucus.
The APC leaders, who attended the meeting, are the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami and two of his predecessors, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo.
Others are Senator Jide Ipinsagba of Ondo North and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire of Ondo Central, as well as former Senators Titus Olupitan and Remi Okunrinboye.
Also in attendance are Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, former Speakers Kenneth Olawale, Victor Olabimtan and Bamidele Oleyeloogun.
There were also Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu and former Deputy Speakers Dare Emiola and Abayomi Akinruntan.
Members of the House of Representatives in attendance included Hon. Abiola Makinde, Hon. Derin Adesida and Hon. Jimi Odimayo, as well as former Reps Ifedayo Abegunde, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Kolawole Babatunde and Tajudeen Adefisoye.
The state party leadership was led by the Chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin. Former Chairmen of the defunct ACN, Mrs. Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose and Ambassador Sola Iji, were also in attendance.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Derin Adesida, explained that the gathering was enshrined in the APC constitution to enable leaders to meet and deliberate on the party’s future.
Also APC chieftain, Ambassador Sola Iji, noted that the constitutional caucus meeting is primarily reserved for top echelons of the party, commending the Governor for conveying the meeting.
Similarly, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his proactive leadership and foresight in steering the party in the right direction, as well as his commitment to the rapid development of the state.