The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday, hosted an exclusive session of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Leaders Caucus in Akure, drawing the party’s heavyweights into early political mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Held inside the Banquet Hall of the Government House, the meeting convened statutory leaders of the APC in the state to mirror the workings of the National Caucus at the state level.
In what many are interpreting as a thinly veiled campaign move, Aiyedatiwa used the platform to unveil a state-wide support structure for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid tagged “Ondo State for Tinubu 2027.”
Addressing party stalwarts, the Governor emphasized party supremacy and urged unity across all interest groups within the APC fold.
He stressed that the State Caucus would henceforth meet regularly to enhance internal cohesion and strategic planning.
The Governor also highlighted his administration’s ongoing developmental efforts, notably since he officially began his first full term in February 2025.
He drew attention to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, designed to extend governance to grassroots communities.
“Our strength lies in our unity and all of us as leaders of the APC in the State must come together to build on the foundation already laid.
“Because we are heading towards general elections, it is expected that various support groups will spring up. However, all groups must be under the leadership of the Central Party structure which has the State Working Committee and the State Caucus as core components.
“We don’t have any pending governorship election here in Ondo State. Therefore, we have to focus all our efforts on mobilising grassroots votes for the re-election of the President in 2007.
“It is granted that the President will win the election. However, for us in the South West and Ondo State, the victory must be overwhelming”, the Governor said.
By the end of the meeting, the party leaders not only gave a unanimous endorsement of Tinubu’s second term ambition but also appointed key coordinators to manage the newly established pro-Tinubu campaign platform.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, and the APC State Secretary, Mrs. Roseline Okafor, were named coordinators of the caucus secretariat.
The gathering featured high-profile political figures, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami and two former deputies, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo.
Among the federal legislators present were Senators Jide Ipinsagba and Adeniyi Adegbonmire, and House of Reps members Hon. Abiola Makinde, Hon. Derin Adesida, and Hon. Jimi Odimayo.
The roll call extended to political veterans like ex-Speakers Victor Olabimtan, Kenneth Olawale, Bamidele Oleyeloogun, and former Representatives Ifedayo Abegunde, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Kolawole Babatunde, and Tajudeen Adefisoye.
APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, led the party’s leadership, alongside ex-ACN leaders Mrs. Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose and Ambassador Sola Iji.
Reacting after the meeting, Hon. Derin Adesida said the caucus was an integral feature of APC’s internal mechanisms to chart the party’s future. Ambassador Sola Iji praised the Governor’s initiative and commitment to party structure, while Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde described Aiyedatiwa’s leadership as proactive and forward-thinking.
