…urges support for Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme
The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has hosted a special meeting of the Ondo State Leaders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move to strengthen the ruling party in the State.
The meeting was held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Akure, and was strictly for the statutory members of the party’s Caucus under the leadership of the Governor, to replicate the National Caucus of the party in the state.
Addressing the party leaders after an interactive session, Governor Aiyedatiwa called for unity and expressed optimism that the APC will continue to wax stronger in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Stressing that the State Caucus will now meet on a regular basis, the Governor reiterated the supremacy of the party, adding that all groups in the State must work under the leadership of the party.
“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 2027. 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.
The Governor 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.
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 later 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.
Those who attended the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami and two of his predecessors, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo.
Others included Senator Jide Ipinsagba of Ondo North and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire of Ondo Central, as well as former Senators Titus Olupitan and Remi Okunrinboye.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, was also in attendance, as well as former Speakers Kenneth Olawale, Victor Olabimtan, Jumoke Akindele and Bamidele Oleyeloogun. There were also Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu and former Deputy Speakers Dare Emiola, Malachi Coker 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 party leadership in the state 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.
