Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Friday inaugurated a strategic initiative called ‘Ondo State for Tinubu 2027’ aimed at rallying strong support from the South West region for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
This initiative is deliberately designed to strengthen President Tinubu’s political base in Ondo State and the wider South West region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan in a statement said the launch took place when the Aiyedatiwa hosted a special meeting of the Ondo State Leaders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to strengthen the ruling party in the State.
The Caucus later appointed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, and the State Secretary of the APC, Mrs. Roseline Okafor, have been appointed to coordinate the state secretariat of the Caucus.
The statement said the event was 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.
While addressing party leaders in 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.
The Governor reiterated the supremacy of the party, adding that all groups in the State must work under the leadership of the party, while the caucus meets regularly.
Governor Aiyedatiwa used 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.
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.
According to the Chief Press Secretary, 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 include 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, 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 Honourable Abiola Makinde, Honourable 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.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Derin Adesida, explained that the gathering was enshrined in the APC constitution to enable leaders to meet and deliberate on the party’s future.
APC chieftain, Ambassador Sola Iji, told reporters that the constitutional caucus meeting is primarily reserved for the top echelons of the party, commending the Governor for convening the meeting.
In his remarks, Honourable 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.
