•INEC absent in Ondo as Aiyedatiwa, loyalists hail exercise •Ex-dep gov emerges Oyo chairman
•Akume, Alia produce parallel excos in Benue •Enugu, Delta govs pick former PDP chairmen
to lead APC •Edo grants Oshiomhole automatic ticket to Senate
Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) consolidated their hold on the party in their states on Tuesday as the party held state congresses across the states, where state executive committees emerged.
Except for Benue State, where Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume held parallel congresses, and Ondo State, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were absent at the congress, other states adopted the consensus option, where the executive committees emerged by affirmation.
Before the Tuesday’s congresses in the states, some states, including Osun, Ekiti and Rivers had been exempted from the state congresses by the national leadership of the APC.
In Oyo State, where there is no APC governor, stakeholders in the party picked a former deputy governor in the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo as the state chairman by consensus.
In Ondo State, Governor Luck Aiyedatiwa led his loyalists to pick a new executive committee, even though the congress was boycotted by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A worrying trend however played out in Benue State, where the governor and his estranged godfather held parallel congresses, where separate executive committees emerged.
Despite the existence of caucuses who are expected to sing some forms of discordant tunes, the governors and stakeholders were able to forge a consensus, which reflected in the level of affirmation achieved on Tuesday.
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, defied a restraining order of the Federal High Court sitting in Akure by holding its state congress and producing former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Kolawole Babatunde, as the new party chairman.
Babatunde, alongside 35 other members of the State Working Committee (SWC) emerged through consensus and affirmation at a peaceful state congress held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, conducted without the presence of the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While speaking on the absence of INEC, the commission spokesperson in the state, Yinka Ogunseye, said officials of the commission abstained from the Ondo APC Congress because there were no directives regarding the congress.
Ogunseye specifically said INEC officials did not monitor the election because of the order of the Federal High Court that restrained the party from conducting the congress, saying attending the congress will amount to disobedience of the court
Ogunseye said, “The commission did not receive any directive from its headquarters to monitor the congress and could not act in defiance of a court order.
“There was no instruction from our headquarters for us to monitor the congress, and we cannot disobey a valid court injunction.”
But the newly elected State Secretary of the party, Alex Kalejaye, expressed surprise over the absence of the INEC at the congress, insisting that the party’s National Secretariat had formally communicated its plans to the commission ahead of the exercise.
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He maintained that the party acted in good faith and in line with internal directives, stressing that no court order was served on the state chapter prior to the congress.
Kalejaye said the leadership would not have proceeded if it had been officially notified of any restraining order.
“To the best of our knowledge, the National Secretariat duly informed INEC about this congress,” he said. “We were therefore surprised not to see their representatives present.”
Responding to questions on the implications of the absence of INEC on the congress or whether the party defied a court injunction, he said: “As at yesterday night, I was at the party’s secretariat till late in the night and we were not served with any court injunction. There was no official communication to that effect.
“It was on the strength of that the National Vice Chairman (South West), Dr Isaac Kekemeke, directed us to proceed with the process. We cannot act on speculation or media reports; we can only respond to documents properly served on the party.”
“We cannot act on social media, rumors or unserved orders. As far as we were concerned, there was no legal barrier to holding the congress, and we followed the guidance of our national leadership,” he said
It was gathered that based on the court order, the ministers from Ondo state, the three senators as well as seven out of the nine House of Representatives members from the state stayed away from the State Congress.
However, while speaking after the congress, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the exercise as more than a routine political event, stressing its significance in consolidating the party’s structure.
Aiyedatiwa, who urged party members to uphold unity, discipline and internal democracy, said, “today’s congress is more than a routine political exercise. It is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to party supremacy, unity, inclusiveness and discipline.
“The APC remains a party built on structure, order and collective responsibility, which aligns with the first point in our seven-point agenda addressing order, security and the rule of law,” he said.
The Governor highlighted the need to subordinate personal ambition under collective interest, stressing that individual aspirations must give way to party stability and progress.
He commended stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful and harmonious process, particularly those who willingly sacrificed personal ambitions to allow consensus to prevail.
“All of you are my friends. All of you are my subjects. We belong to the same party. I have no preference for one person over another, but one person must emerge.
“I thank everyone who has made sacrifices to allow harmony and consensus to take place. This is the Ondo State APC spirit,” he added.
In his acceptance speech, titled A New Dawn of Unity and Progress, Babatunde pledged transparent, disciplined and inclusive leadership, declaring that the era of internal division in the party must end.
He described his election as a collective victory and a reaffirmation of the APC’s strength and commitment to internal democracy.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing a level playing field for all contestants, citing John Locke to stress that “the end of law is to preserve and enlarge freedom.”
Babatunde assured the governor that under his leadership, the party would remain united, organised and committed to supporting the administration’s vision and policies.
Addressing fellow contestants, he said: “There is no winner or loser in this exercise. I am for all, and against none,” emphasising that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.
He further pledged to energise grassroots structures, empower youths with responsibility and structure, elevate women into leadership positions, and strengthen elders by honouring their wisdom and experience.
Former Oyo deputy gov, Adeyemo, emerges consensus chairman
Former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Alake Adeyemo, has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of APC in the state.
His appointment was ratified at the State Congress of the party held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan on Tuesday.
The congress had in attendance, former senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, the wife of the former governor of the state, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle and others.
The party had, prior to the congress, set up ad hoc committee on zoning of the elective offices of the party.
The recommendation of the committee was adopted by the leadership and stakeholders at a meeting held at the party’s secretariat on Monday.
In his acceptance speech. the new chairman expressed gratitude to party leaders, delegates, stakeholders and members for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the party.
“I stand before you today, humbled and honoured, as I accept the responsibility of serving as the chairman of APC in the state.”
“This is a moment of great significance, not just for me personally, but for all members of our great party across the length and breadth of this state. I pledge to serve with utmost diligence, integrity, and commitment,” he said.
He commended the national leadership of APC for its guidance and support, noting, “Their unwavering commitment to democracy, party unity, and the growth of APC has provided the framework within which we have conducted our congresses at every level.”
“I am particularly grateful for the patience, counsel, and encouragement extended to me and my colleagues throughout this process.”
Adeyemo also recognised the contributions of stakeholders and local government representatives, particularly the ad hoc zoning committee chaired by Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, with Mr Afeez Bolaji Repete, as secretary.
“Your collective wisdom has ensured that every local government chapter has a voice in shaping our State Executive Committee, and for this, I salute you,” he added.
Emphasising unity and collective responsibility, he said, “This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member of our party in Oyo State. Our strength lies in our cohesion, and we must never lose sight of the fact that we are stronger together.”
Edo APC holds congress of affirmation, returns old SWC members
In Benin, the Edo State capital, the APC, on Tuesday, held a congress of affirmation, where all the members of the old State Working Committee (SWC) led by Emperor Jarret Tenebe were re-elected unopposed by the delegates drawn from the 192 wards of the state.
This was just as Tenebe declared that the new SWC had agreed that only Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of the state who also doubles as the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, would be given an automatic ticket for a second term, urging the two senators in Edo Central and Edo South senatorial districts to prepare for primaries if they intended to seek re-election.
Besides, Tenebe also announced that the Edo APC had unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the January 2027 presidential election, and Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose second term election will be coming up in September 2028, also adopted as the party’s sole candidate for the 2028 election.
The State Congress, which was held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, and was attended by Governor Okpebholo, was conducted by the Chairman of National State Congress Committee for Edo State, Mr. Kabiru Ajana.
The delegates to the congress re-elected the new SWC members through voice affirmation.
Speaking shortly after their re-election, Tenebe said that “This unanimous voice affirmation is a call to duty, and we are ready to discharge our responsibility and ensure the party continues to put Edo people first, while supporting the governor to sustain his developmental strides in the state.”
Tenebe, while thanking the Edo APC for the confidence reposed in him, reflected on his journey in the party, appreciating the unity of purpose that had led the party to the stage it is at the moment.
“Reflecting on my journey within our great party, I previously served as Deputy State Chairman during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the APC in Edo State. Throughout that challenging phase, the unwavering support and commitment of our party faithful enabled us to weather the storm and keep the party united and focused,’’
Ogun APC inaugurates new state executive, re-elects Sanusi as party chairman
In Ogun State, the APC has also inaugurated members of the State Executive Committee of the party on Tuesday.
The new party leaders were elected in a consensus arrangement with Chief Yemi Sanusi as the chairman for the second term in office.
1,180 delegates participated in the process held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta and was supervised by the officials of INEC.
The Congress was conducted by the State Congress Committee under the chairmanship of Hon Wale Ohu.
Sanusi in his acceptance speech promised that the state executives would run an all-inclusive administration that would accommodate every stakeholder.
The re-elected chairman promised to ensure a united and strong party ahead of the general polls in 2027.
He dedicated the victory to the party’s hierarchy, the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and members of the party for the confidence reposed in him to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.
“I am deeply humbled by this renewed mandate to continue steering the ship of our great party in Ogun State,” Sanusi said. “This is not a victory for me alone, but a victory for the progressive ideals we stand for. We will run an inclusive administration that will accommodate every stakeholder and ensure that our party remains united and strong ahead of future elections,” he said.
Ohu, who was the returning officer for the congress, declared the process as free, fair, and in line with the party’s constitution, urging the new executive to prioritise unity as the party looks toward the next electoral cycle.
Abiodun in his address urged the newly elected executives to uphold the party constitution, promote unity and ensure inclusiveness.
He noted that their roles were strategic and must translate into voter confidence and victory.
He described the congress as a defining democratic moment, noting that healthy contest strengthens democracy. urging members to close ranks.
Ojelabi re-elected as Lagos APC Chairman, pledges unity ahead polls
Also on Tuesday, the APC in Lagos State inaugurated members of its State Executive Council, formally ushering in a new leadership cycle following the re-election of Honourable Cornelius Ojelabi as state chairman for a second term.
Ojelabi, who was returned unopposed at the party’s state congress, described his re-election as a reflection of unity and collective resolve within the party’s structure in Lagos.
“With profound gratitude and humility, I stand before you deeply honoured. This moment is not just a celebration of my re-election; it is a testament to the unity and commitment of members of our great party,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of key stakeholders within the party and across government institutions.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the National Assembly for what he termed their role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and lauded the synergy between federal and state actors, which he said has translated into infrastructural growth across Lagos.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, describing the body as custodians of institutional memory whose counsel has continued to guide the party’s direction in the state.
Ojelabi further recognised the contributions of local government party chairmen, ethnic groups within the state and women members, whom he credited for strengthening the party’s grassroots appeal and organisational cohesion.
Opposition has collapsed in Nigeria —Kwara gov
The APC in Kwara State on Tuesday held its state congress to return the Prince Sunday Fagbemi-led 34-member executive through affirmation
The conduct of the congress was supervised by the APC leaders from Abuja, led by Dr Alkali Alabe.
Speaking after the party congress, Governor Abdulraman Abdulrazaq, said that opposition had collapsed both in Nigeria and the state.
The governor, who said that his administration’s performance in over six years was better than 16 years of former governments in the state. “As you can see, opposition has collapsed nationally and especially in Kwara state. However, we will not be complacent. Most Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members are with us, some that are not with us have gone to African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“As you can see from election nationally, ADC has not shown any presence at all in the electoral process. Like I said, we will not be complacent. We need to work hard and continue to work harder to build on what we have achieved so far.
“This party being led by President Bola Tinubu is a party for all. You can see at the national level, governors and structures from other parties are collapsing into APC. This is the future. It is a party that has roadmap, a party that has vision for a better Nigeria”.
Abdulrazaq, who said that he does not have anointed governorship candidate in the forthcoming elections, added that “it is not about somebody anointing anybody. God will anoint who will succeed us in the state.
“Yes, there are minor challenges ahead and those challenges are about healthy competition because the APC primaries will soon begin. When I talk of healthy competition, we have about six governorship aspirants from both the national and state’s House of Assembly.
Ebonyi APC returns Okoro-Emegha as consensus chairman
At its state congress in Abakaliki on Tuesday, the APC in Ebonyi State, elected Honourable Stanley Okoro-Emegha, as the state chairman of the party.
The party also re-elected Chinedu Alphonsus Nwali as state deputy chairman and Chief Charles Chukwuma Ofoke, as state secretary of the party.
The trio were re-elected alongside 33 other State Working Committee members for another term of four years at PA Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
The State Working Committee members were re-elected unopposed, through a consensus arrangement in line with the constitution of APC.
The consensus arrangement was adopted through a motion moved by the Senator representing Ebonyi North senatorial district and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi and seconded by the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Honourable Moses Ije Odunwa.
Okoro-Emegha alongside 35 other State Working Committee members of the party were all returned for second term in office as the party adopted consensus election.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, while speaking at the event, attributed the success of the congress to the peaceful disposition of President Tinubu.
Delta APC elects state executive, former PDP chairman emerges
In Delta State, the APC has elected Chief Solomon Arenyeka, former chairman of People Democratic Party ( PDP) before the merger in 2025, as its new state chairman, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, charging the newly constituted executive to begin immediate preparations for victory in the 2027 general election.
Through a consensus voice vote, Arenyeka emerged while Elder Moses Iduh, was elected deputy chairman and Chief Efe Uko, was returned as state secretary, at the congress in Asaba on Tuesday.
Also elected through affirmation were Chief Paulinus Akpeki as Delta Central Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba as Delta South Chairman, Daniel Ossai as Delta North Chairman, Elder Emmanuel Egbabor as State Organising Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, as State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ifeyinwa Sobotie as State Woman Leader and Christopher Agali as State Youth Leader, among others.
Chairman of the State Congress Electoral Committee, Vita Abba, who declared the new executive elected, said the affirmation process was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
Earlier, former Speaker of theState House of Assembly, Honourable Victor Ochei, moved a motion for the dissolution of the outgoing state executive committee to pave the way for the election of a new leadership. The motion was seconded by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and was unanimously adopted by party delegates.
Addressing party faithful, Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to the outgoing executive led by Elder Omeni Sobotie for steering the party through what he described as a defining transition period following the political realignment of April 2025.
APC picks new Sokoto exco by consensus
The APC in Sokoto State on Tuesday elected a new State Working Committee through consensus at its state congress, with Alhaji Haruna Adiya, emerging as chairman.
The congress, supervised by a committee from the party’s national headquarters and INEC officials, ratified the consensus list through a voice vote in line with provisions of the party’s constitution.
In his acceptance speech, Adiya thanked delegates and stakeholders for the trust placed in him and pledged to unite the party.
He assured members that his leadership would be inclusive and focused on strengthening the party across all levels in the state.
Former PDP chairman, Chukwunweike, emerges as new APC chairman in Enugu
In Enugu State, the APC has elected former PDP chairman in the state, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, as its new state chairman.
Chukwunweike emerged through affirmation by delegates drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state during the party’s state congress held at Okpara Square on Tuesday in Enugu.
Other officials elected include: Peace Nnaji, as Deputy Chairman; Nnamdi Nwafor as Vice Chairman (Enugu East); Fabian Onah, as Vice Chairman (Enugu North); Chimaobi David, Vice Chairman (Enugu West); Chukwudi Nnadozie, Secretary; Uche Obute, Publicity Secretary; and Esther Edeh, Woman Leader, among others.
Addressing party members at the event, Governor Peter Mbah, congratulated the newly inaugurated State Working Committee and State Executive Committee, describing the congress as a demonstration of internal democracy and unity.
He lauded the delegates for their participation, noting that democracy thrived in inclusiveness and collective effort.
According to him, the affirmation process reflected harmony within the party and positioned the APC in Enugu as a model for other states.
Again, Akume, Alia factions produce parallel state excos in Benue
Again, the leadership crisis in APC in Benue State deepens as factions belonging to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, produced parallel state executives.
The two factions held parallel state congress in Makurdi on Tuesday.While Akume faction held their congress at Eunice Resort along Ankpa road, Governor Alia’s faction held their congress at IBB square, Makurdi.
Alia, who spoke during the congress, said that the Benue congresses have been peaceful, credible and transparent and urged the people to continue to show the truth of who we are and who is in the party to bring growth and development and prepare the future of the state.
He congratulated the newly elected officials, urging them to see their elections as a call to service and to do so with great honesty. He thanked them for accepting to serve the Benue APC.
He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his Vice Kashim Ibrahim for their unalloyed support to the APC nationwide and particularly to Benue state.
Earlier, the newly elected chairman, Benjamin Omale of governor Alia’s faction appreciated the Benue APC for electing him and his EXCO pledging to discharge their duties with utmost transparency, honesty and fairness.