APC elects party officers to run state chapters

 Lagos:

Ojelabi re-elected Lagos APC chairman

Sanwo-Olu: Our chapter should be reference point

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius, was yesterday re-elected by 1,705 delegates at the state congress.

Hailing the “peaceful, orderly and outstanding congress” held at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the party leaders and members to ensure that the chapter becomes the reference point in the country.

Also re-elected by consensus and affirmation were  Moshood Mayegun (Deputy Chairman), Dr. Adeola Jokomba (Secretary), Seye Oladejo (Publicity Secretary), Ayodele Adewale (Organising Secretary), Dr. Muritala Seriki (Youth Leader), Yesiru Karamo (Assistant Publicity Secretary), Azizat Mariam (Assistant Secretary), and Folashade Bakare (Legal Adviser).

An excited Ojelabi, who had served as council chairman, federal legislator and commissioner, thanked the leaders and delegates, promised to always live to expectation.

With the conclusion of the state congress, the chapter instantly began grassroots mobilisation ahead of next year’s poll.

The governor, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to Government Abimbola Salu- Hundeyin, Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members were in one accord with the delegates from the pre-existing 20 local government for the exercise conducted by the Congress Committee, led by Stella Okotietie.

At the congress were GAC Leader Prince Oluyole Olusi, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye, Omooba Muyiwa Sosanya, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Senators Tony Adefuye, Adeseye Ogunlewe,  Gbenga Ashafa, Ganiyu Solomon, Olorunnimbe Mamora, and Musiliu Obanikoro; Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chief Mutiu Are, National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, and Mrs. Tawakalitu Orelope-Adefulire.

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Others included Otun Iyalode of Lagos Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Mrs. Yetubde Arobieke, Jide Adediran, and State Congress Technical Committee members -  Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, Oyinlomo Danmole, Yakubu Balogun, Yinka Jeje, K.K. Elesin, Okeowo Ayodele, Sesan Daini, former Igbogbo-Bayeku Council chairman. 

Describing the congress as a wonderful and outstanding congress, Sanwo-Olu, who congratulated Ojelabi and his team, urged them to take Lagos APC to a level where it will become a reference point.

He adminised the chairman to ensure there is a room for all members of the party.

Noting that Lagos APC has sustained its standard as the leader, the governor who affirmed the doctrine of party supremacy said the chapter has a single common purpose to make its strucure the best and second to none.

Sanwo-Olu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for offering an untiring leadership to Lagos APC and country, and particularly the advantage of political tutelage under him.

He also thanked the party executives, elders and congress committees who have worked for democracy to grow and APC, the largest party in Africa, to do better.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos APC leaders have demonstrated a sense of purpose and unity which led to peaceful ward, local government and state congresses.

He said the chapter had demonstrated that it is a party of discipline, finess, purpose, equity and inclusivity.

Emphasising that the party executives and the entire have a lot if work to do, he urged the to brace up for the 2027 electoral challenge.

Sanwo-Olu said: “We can tell the entire nation that the APC in Lagos is about uncommon standards. We have shown that the party structure in Lagos is next to none in the entire country.

“We have demonstrated that the party is supreme. We have shown everybody that for us in Lagos, we are strengthened by unity of purpose.

“We have demonstrated here that we have a single and common purpose to ensure that the party formation, the party structure in our state, is the best and is next to none.”

Ojelabi thanked the party for the confidence reposed in him, adding that he would not let them down.

He said the congress attested to the unity, strength and enduring legacy of the party.

Ojelabi thanked President Tinubu,  who he described as a visionary leader and pillar of democracy, who always inspire members by his steadfastness and commitment to democracy and good governance.

The chairman applauded Sanwo-Olu for his inspiring and exemplary leadership, noting that it serves as inspiration for the party executives to work harder.

He also thanked the deputy governor for his commitment to the infrastructural renewal of Lagos, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and other lawmakers for their tireless efforts and promotion of the values the party stands for.

Ojelabi praised the GAC for their wisdom and guidance, the members of the State Executive Council under Sanwo-Olu for hardwork and local government structures for their efforts at grassroots mobilisation 

He showered encomium on the leaders of Arewa, Igbo, Southsouth and other ethnic groups in Lagos for their collaboration and steadfastness.

In these view, these structures that have done the party proud are the souls of the party.

Reflecting on the journey of the last four years, Ojelabi said the chapter had been strengthened, adding that it is not only a party, but a movement.

Ahead of 2027 polls, he urged members to showcase the unity, strength and cohesion of the fold, bond together, expand and become entrenched at the grassroots.

He promised that Lagos APC will sustain its push for youth and women inclusion as demonstrated by the selection of the youngest woman as the Assistant Women Leader.

He urged the young party faithful to take advantage of the opportunities and join their elders in building a party that would bequeth a worthy legacy worthy of pride to future generations.

 Okotete announced  the consensus list of State Executive Committee members, which was endorsed by delegates through voice vote.

She described Lagos as the ‘heartbeat of progressive politics and the proud home of President Tinubu.

She said said Lagos id the foundation of progressive ideology, discipline, inclusion, strategic leadership and people-focused governance.

She added: “The strength of Lagos is a vital part of our party. It is vital to the strength of our party nationwide.

“According to the Constitution of our party, Article 20, there are approved guidelines for the state congress which today I am here to conduct.

“The congress must be democratic, transparent and in strict compliance with the Constitution of our party. When consensus is adopted, it must follow due process as described.

“This congress is not a contest of enemies. It is a contest of progressive family members united by ideology.”

Okotete reminded aspirants and delegates that qualification to contest and vote was guided by the provisions of the Constitution.

She said only registered members who have fulfilled the necessary requirements, including payment of prescribed fees and compliance with eligibility conditions, are qualified to participate.

Okotete added: “The processes are binding on all members and everyone must collectively respect the outcome.

“Our mandate is clear. It is to ensure a peaceful, credible and orderly congress that reflects the unity and maturity of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.

“I urge our aspirants today to demonstrate sportsmanship and our delegates to vote with conscience and commitment to the continued growth of APC in Lagos State.”

Okotete said leadership in the party is service and unity remains its greatest strength.

“Let this congress further consolidate our progressive mantra and strengthen our structure in support of the renewal agenda of our President.”

Ogun:

In Ogun, the party elected Chief Yemi Sanusi and 35 others as members of its State Executive Committee at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta. A total of 1,180 delegates ratified the new executives through voice affirmation.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, addressing the gathering, emphasized that internal democracy must be genuinely practised. “Patronage politics and backroom bargaining should give way to principled leadership and transparent processes,” the governor stated. He urged aspirants who did not emerge to remain committed to the party.

Chief Wale Ohu, the APC Congress Committee Chairman, supervised the exercise alongside INEC officials. Re-elected Chairman Yemi Sanusi expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun and President Tinubu, pledging that discipline remains non-negotiable under his watch.

Oyo:

In Oyo State, a former deputy governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, emerged as the new APC chairman. The congress, held at the Liberty Stadium, lasted less than three hours, and 34 executive members were elected.

The announcement was made by Afeez Bolaji Repete, secretary of the party’s ad hoc zoning committee. Adeyemo, who served under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, hails from Igboho. The event saw a heavy security presence, with delegates carrying posters of President Tinubu.

Ahead of the congress, the Oke Ogun zone had protested against zoning the chairmanship to their region. A group, Agbajowo Fún Ìtesiwájú Gbogbo Wa, staged a peaceful protest at the state secretariat, demanding the governorship ticket instead. In a statement, the group’s chairman, Dauda Olaifa, cited “fairness and equity” and warned that marginalization could weaken the party.

Ondo:

The Ondo State APC proceeded with its state congress at The Dome, Akure, despite a Federal High Court order stopping the exercise. Our correspondent reports that, citing the absence of an official directive from the national secretariat regarding the alleged order, the party proceeded with the vote.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, addressing stakeholders, dismissed rumours of a crisis. “There will be push and pull, which is normal. But it’s not to the extent of going to war with one another. We are not at war,” he said. The governor assured delegates of adequate security.

Kolawole Babatunde was elected the new chairman by a consensus voice vote. He immediately declared that the “era of internal division is over.” “From this particular moment, there will be no camps or divisions, no winner or loser,” Babatunde stated, pledging transparent leadership. The congress committee chairman, Comrade Ogonna Obiekwe, insisted the committee was in the state to conduct a free and fair exercise.

Kwara:

The Kwara State APC returned the Prince Sunday Fagbemi-led 34-member executive through affirmation. Ilorin correspondent reports that the congress was supervised by Abuja leaders led by Dr. Alkali Allabe.

Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq declared that opposition had collapsed in Nigeria and Kwara. “As you can see, opposition has collapsed nationally and especially in Kwara state,” the governor said. “Most PDP members are with us... This party, being led by President Bola Tinubu, is a party for all.”

AbdulRazaq clarified he has no anointed governorship candidate, stating that God will determine his successor. In his remarks, Prince Fagbemi called for restraint and adherence to democratic principles as the party heads toward primaries.

Edo:

The Edo State APC affirmed Jarret Tenebe as the substantive chairman and returned all 36 members of the executive. Our correspondent reports that Tenebe, who was acting chairman, was confirmed by delegates at the congress.

In his speech, Tenebe made key endorsements for 2027. “The party has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for a second term in office,” he declared. He also stated that Senator Adams Oshiomhole would be offered the right of first refusal for a second term at the National Assembly, meaning no primaries in Edo North.

National Congress Committee Chairman Hon. Kabiru Ajana commended the governor for fostering unity. Senator Oshiomhole thanked delegates, saying the unity “makes a bold statement about the leadership of Governor Okpebholo.” Dignitaries included Minister Abubakar Momoh and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa.

Delta:

In Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka emerged as the new chairman following a “rigorous consensus-building process.” Our correspondent reports that the state congress in Asaba saw thousands of party faithful endorse the new EXCO by voice vote.

Party chieftain Prince Yemi Emiko, who attended, congratulated Arenyeka and expressed confidence in his capacity. Emiko noted that the new chairman brings experience as a former councillor, council chairman, and PDP state chairman. He urged the new leadership to prioritise unity and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for “refraining from interfering in the party’s internal electoral process.”

Akwa Ibom:

In Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Leo Ntukekpo has been re-elected as the party’s chairman by consensus. The exercise at Uyo Township Stadium was monitored by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

Senator Akpabio lauded the peaceful process, noting that in the past, such events were rancorous. “This is uncommon, this is unprecedented, and it will go down in history as the first most peaceful congress in Nigeria,” Akpabio stated. He commended Governor Eno for inclusive governance. The motion for consensus was moved by Senator Aniekan Bassey.

In a voice vote, party faithful pledged support for the re-election of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Eno. The governor, in turn, pledged the state’s support for the Tinubu administration.

Enugu:

In Enugu State, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike emerged as the new Enugu APC chairman at a congress held at Okpara Square. The affirmation process was witnessed by INEC officials.

Governor Peter Mbah, whose presence signified the state’s political realignment, declared that the decision to align with the APC-led Federal Government was yielding results. “You can see that the decision we took to connect to the centre is already yielding enormous results,” Mbah stated, citing infrastructure milestones like the airport concession and rail extension.

APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, said President Tinubu’s achievements were attracting prominent Nigerians. Outgoing caretaker chairman Ben Nwoye declared that the party had overcome its internal divisions, handing over a “united APC.”

Anambra:

In Anambra State, Senator Emmanuel Anosike has emerged as the new APC chairman. He replaces Chief Basil Ejidike in a consensus exercise chaired by Rear Admiral Williams Kayoda (Rtd).

Outgoing chairman Ejidike commended President Tinubu for keeping the party united. Senator Uche Ekwunife praised the peaceful conduct. In his acceptance speech, Anosike described his emergence as a call to serve. “We’ll ensure all members are carried along... We as a party promise to deliver His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, come 2027,” he said.

Ebonyi:

The Ebonyi State APC held its congress at the Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, returning the entire State Working Committee, led by Stanley Okoro Emegha, for a second term.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru attributed the peaceful conduct to President Tinubu. “I thank our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for making this tremendous sacrifice. It is through him we are enjoying peace and stability today,” the governor observed. He noted that stakeholders adopted a consensus to eliminate rancour. Emegha, in his acceptance, promised to foster peace and deliver the party in 2027.

Abia:

In Abia State, Chijioke Chukwu, a former Minority Leader in the Abia Assembly, has emerged as the new APC chairman. He and 52 other executives emerged via consensus at a congress held at Chidiebere Transport Yard.

The event was monitored by INEC and security agencies. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, thanked party faithful for their peaceful disposition. “The smooth conduct is an indication that APC is more united and poised to take over governance in the state in 2027,” Kalu said.

Chukwu, in his acceptance speech, pledged an open-door administration and called on aggrieved members to sheath their swords. He disclosed that the party recorded 160,000 in the e-registration exercise and is targeting 500,000 by 2027.

Kaduna:

In Kaduna State, Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged as the consensus chairman of the party at the Murtala Muhammed Square. Governor Uba Sani and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, charged the new executives to deliver at least two million votes for President Tinubu in 2027.

Governor Sani described the congress as a defining moment, noting that 6,885 ward executives and 621 LGA executives had emerged in previous exercises. “The adoption of consensus is an expression of political maturity and unity,” he stated.

Speaker Abbas urged the new executives to unite all tendencies. Sankay, in his acceptance, pledged to serve with discipline and strengthen grassroots mobilisation. Outgoing chairman Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (rtd) thanked members for their support over eight years.

Katsina:

In Katsina, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa was elected as the new chairman. According to our correspondent, the congress, held in Katsina, brought together delegates from all 361 wards.

In his acceptance speech, Saulawa described his emergence as a collective mandate. “We assure you that we will work in the best interest of the party, the state, and Nigeria,” he said, pledging transparency.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reaffirmed Katsina as an APC stronghold, commending the peaceful conduct of the exercise. “This process demonstrates that Katsina APC remains united, organised, and committed to democratic principles,” Radda stated. He reaffirmed the state’s loyalty to President Tinubu.

Jigawa:

In Jigawa State, a new State Executive Committee, led by Chairman Ahmed Maikudi, emerged by consensus at the Dutse City Stadium.

Our correspondent reports that Chairman of the Congress Committee, Shehu Mu’azu, ratified the 36-member executive, explaining that the process complied with Section 20 of the party’s constitution. He attributed the unity to Governor Umar Namadi’s leadership style.

In his acceptance, Maikudi pledged loyalty to the governor and vowed to strengthen the party. “We are determined to support the administration and ensure that the target of two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 is not only met but surpassed,” he said.

Niger:

The Niger State APC has affirmed Alhaji Aminu Musa Bobi as chairman, along with a new state executive council, through a consensus process that bypassed a traditional congress. Minna correspondent reports that the affirmation ceremony took place at the Government House.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who swore in the new executives, declared that equity and fairness would remain the party’s guiding principles. He described the congresses as the most peaceful in Nigeria. “Names of some officials were removed because their 15-year tenure had expired, but they will be compensated with state appointments,” Bago said.

North Central Vice Chairman Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa Rijau described the process as a complete success. Former Governor Senator Abubakar Sani Bello hailed the “family unity” displayed.

Kogi:

In Kogi State, Aliyu Momoh has emerged as the new chairman. Our correspondent reports that his emergence was by “selection and adoption” at the party’s state congress held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja. Critical stakeholders attended the event.

Nasarawa:

In Nasarawa State, the party returned all members of the State Executive Working Committee, led by Chairman Dr. Aliyu Bello, for a fresh four-year mandate. Our correspondent in Lafia reports that the affirmation took place at the Lafia Square.

Governor Abdullahi Sule, who presided over a caucus meeting prior to the congress, explained that all stakeholders had unanimously agreed to adopt the consensus method. “We have just had our Caucus meeting to discuss members of the state Executives... and now we have a consensus list,” the governor stated. The list included Hon. Yarus Dagusa as secretary and Blessing Habu Ibrahim as women’s leader.

Benue:

Chief Benjamin Omale was elected chairman of the Benue State APC to steer the party for the next four years. Our correspondent reports that the congress at IBB Square was peaceful.

Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed gratitude to the people for their support. He commended the party for organizing peaceful congresses. “The congresses in Benue have been characterized by peace, credibility, and transparency,” the governor noted. He congratulated the new officials, describing their election as a “call to service.”

Omale, in his response, pledged to discharge his duties with transparency and fairness, aiming for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Alia.

Borno:

The Borno State APC congress was peaceful and hitch-free, with Chairman Bello Ayuba retaining his position. Our correspondent reports that the state adopted the consensus form of election.

Governor Babagana Zulum thanked delegates and stakeholders for standing with the party. “He praised the unity of the party in the state, while affirming that the party will still win come the 2027 General election,” the correspondent reports. Zulum apologized to those who were not included on the list, reminding them that power comes from God. The congress was witnessed by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and all three senators from the state.

Yobe:

The Yobe State APC also held a peaceful congress and adopted a consensus. Chairman Mohammed Gadaka retained his position, though some minor changes, including the dropping of the state secretary, were witnessed without rancour. Governor Mai Mala Buni’s presence ensured a smooth exercise, according to our correspondent who monitored both states.

Taraba:

Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, the immediate past Chairman of the PDP in Taraba, was elected the new APC Chairman by consensus. Jalingo correspondent reports that the congress at the Jolly Nyame Stadium also produced Irammae Andetarang as State Secretary and Pastor Stephen Othaniel as Deputy State Chairman.

Bayelsa:

In Bayelsa, Warman Ogoriba, a former member of the House of Representatives, was elected by consensus as the new APC chairman. The congress took place at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa. Governor Senator Douye Diri described the exercise as the first peaceful congress in the party’s history in the state.

“You are now the torch bearers of the APC in Bayelsa State,” Diri charged the new executives. “The new APC in Bayelsa has no place for factions.”

The outgoing caretaker chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, praised the governor for reconciling warring factions. The 37-member Exco includes Ayobegha James (Deputy Chairman) and Japan Odoji (Secretary).

Plateau:

In Plateau State, Rufus Bature retained his position as the Plateau State APC chairman by consensus.. Our correspondent reports that the event, which took place at the Lang Field, Rayfield, Jos, was conducted by affirmation.

In his acceptance speech, Bature pledged to embark on reforms. “Under this new exco, we shall embark on oversight functions to all the 17 LGA party chairmen... I will not tolerate failure,” he said.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared an end to opposition in the state. “No more opposition on the Plateau; we can only go into the 2027 election as one Plateau People’s Party driven by APC,” Mutfwang stated, calling for an aggressive membership drive.