APC South-West Zonal Congress: A Testament to Unity and Progress
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully re-elected Isaac Kekemeke as its South-West Zonal Chairman, marking a significant milestone in the party's regional leadership. The election, conducted via a consensus arrangement, took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium, in Lagos State, and saw the participation of key party stakeholders from across the South-West.
Consensus Election Highlights Party Unity
Kekemeke, alongside seven other zonal executive committee members, emerged unopposed, reflecting a unified front within the APC. The newly elected executives include Alfred Aluko as Secretary, Ismail Majaro as Legal Adviser, Lateef Ibirogba as Organising Secretary, and Ayobami Afolabi as Publicity Secretary. Other key positions were filled by Oyetunde Adesanya (Woman Leader), Daramola Adesuyi (Youth Leader), and Dayo Ishola (Persons With Disability).
Jide Jimoh, Chairman of the Zonal Congress Committee, conducted the election process, which included voice votes to affirm the consensus candidates. Jimoh praised the delegates for their patience and loyalty, describing the congress as historic and a benchmark for other regions to emulate.
Over 1,300 Delegates Participate in Landmark Congress
The congress saw the accreditation of 1,398 delegates from the six South-West states: Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ogun. Lagos led with 337 delegates, followed by Ondo (245), Oyo (243), Ekiti (211), Ogun (206), and Osun (156). The event was attended by a broad spectrum of party stakeholders, including serving and former governors, legislators, and other key figures.
Governor Sanwo-Olu Lauds APC's Commitment to Democratic Principles
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the South-West Governors, commended the congress as a model of democratic engagement. He expressed gratitude to the delegates for their patience and loyalty, and to the congress committee for organizing a seamless election. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of adhering to the party's constitution and rules of engagement, expressing confidence that the new executive team would lead the APC to victory in the 2027 elections.
In a tweet, Governor Sanwo-Olu shared his experience at the congress, stating, \"Today, I attended the All Progressives Congress (APC) Southwest Zonal Congress at Onikan Stadium, Lagos. We connected with party members across the region and reaffirmed our shared commitment to progress and stability.\"
New Executive Team Vows to Secure Victory in Upcoming Elections
In his acceptance speech, Isaac Kekemeke expressed gratitude to the party leaders for the trust placed in the new executive team. He pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the APC's success in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states. Kekemeke's re-election and the formation of the new executive committee are seen as strategic moves to strengthen the party's structure and prepare for future electoral battles.
Key Stakeholders and Delegates at the Congress
The congress was attended by a diverse group of APC stakeholders, including:
- Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti)
- APC governorship candidate in Osun, Bola Oyebamiji
- Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Hamzat
- Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami
- Former Governors Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti) and Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Ogun)
- Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly
- APC state chairmen and other key stakeholders from the South-West zone
The statutory delegates included the zonal chairman and former holders of the office, members of the zonal executive committee, serving and past governors, current and former members of the National Assembly, principal officers of state Houses of Assembly, state party chairmen, and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Looking Ahead: APC's Strategic Vision for the South-West
The re-election of Isaac Kekemeke and the formation of the new zonal executive committee signal the APC's commitment to consolidating its influence in the South-West. With a focus on upcoming elections and internal party cohesion, the APC aims to leverage its stronghold in the region to secure victories and maintain its political dominance. The congress has set a precedent for future party engagements, emphasizing unity, strategic planning, and adherence to democratic principles.