APC inaugurates Reconciliation Committee, targets one million votes for Tinubu in Ondo

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State has inaugurated a 10-member State Reconciliation Committee as part of a strategic push to consolidate party unity ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

 

This was contained in a press statement issued by *Steve Otaloro*, Director of Media & Publicity of the APC in Ondo State.

 

According to the statement, the committee was inaugurated at the APC State Secretariat in Akure by the State Chairman, *Hon. Kolawole Babatunde*. He said the committee was set up to reconcile aggrieved members, harmonize tendencies within the party, and drive the directive of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to deliver not less than one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ondo.

 

Babatunde named *Hon. Biyi Poroye* as Chairman with *Hon. Dele Olanubi* as Deputy Chairman.

 

The committee has a clear mandate to foster unity across all blocs in the party and ensure every stakeholder works toward victory in all elective positions. According to the party, the target includes the three senatorial seats, nine House of Representatives seats, and the 26 seats in the Ondo State House of Assembly.

 

Describing Ondo as “virtually a one-party state,” Babatunde said the APC commands the overwhelming majority of political actors in the state and therefore cannot afford to lose any member.

 

“We cannot afford to lose any member. Every member adds value to our collective strength. Our mission is to unite everyone under one umbrella to achieve Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s vision of delivering one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensuring total victory for all APC candidates,” he said.

 

The chairman stressed that party supremacy remains the bedrock of the APC. While acknowledging that members may be disappointed over certain decisions, he said grievances must never override collective interest.

 

“When the party takes a decision, every loyal member is expected to respect it. Individual ambitions must always give way to the larger objective of party unity and electoral success,” Babatunde stated.

 

Drawing from his personal experience, he recalled being denied a second-term ticket to the House of Assembly but choosing to remain loyal.

“That loyalty has today brought me the privilege of serving as Chairman of our great party in Ondo State. Loyalty always has its rewards,” he added.

 

Babatunde further disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa has made it clear that Ondo is fully committed to delivering a landslide victory for President Tinubu. He listed benefits of the Tinubu administration to Ondo including massive infrastructure development, the Student Loan Scheme, and social intervention programmes, saying they justify overwhelming support for the President’s re-election.

 

In his acceptance remarks, the Reconciliation Committee Chairman, Hon. Biyi Poroye, assured the leadership that the committee understands the responsibility placed on it and is determined to deliver.

 

He noted that the governor took a timely decision in setting up the committee.

“Having followed public reactions since the announcement of this committee, I have come to the conclusion that the Governor has taken the right step. This committee is a bold move towards strengthening our party ahead of the general elections,” Poroye said.

 

Poroye also commended President Tinubu for appointing three substantive ministers from Ondo State, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in the state. He expressed optimism that pending litigations involving party members would be resolved amicably before the elections.

 

“There is nothing wrong with losing an election, just as there is nothing extraordinary about winning one. What matters most is how we manage victory and defeat,” he added.

 

Speaking for women on the committee, *Hon. Erelu Modupe Martins*, former APC State Woman Leader and party leader from Odigbo LGA, thanked the governor and party leadership for ensuring female representation. She said women naturally play conciliatory roles and would help achieve lasting peace.

 

“As a foundation member of this great party, I am bringing my experience to bear alongside other women on this committee. Together, we shall work tirelessly to achieve reconciliation, strengthen party unity, and contribute to the realization of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s one million votes target for President Tinubu,” Martins said.

 

Delivering the vote of thanks, committee member *Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba* urged members not to lose faith in the APC.

“There is nothing to share in defeat. As long as the APC continues to win elections, more opportunities will continue to emerge for loyal party members. If you lose today, you may win tomorrow,” he said.

 

Ekungba described the inauguration of the committee as a timely intervention that will enhance the party’s preparedness for the elections, noting that disagreements after congresses are normal but require proactive leadership.

 

The event was attended by members of the State Working Committee, party leaders, and stakeholders from across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.