Aiyedatiwa ignores court order, insists on holding APC state congress
Governor Aiyedatiwa Confirms APC State Congress Will Proceed Despite Court Order
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has asserted that the state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take place on Tuesday, in defiance of a Federal High Court order halting the process.
Aiyedatiwa made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure on Monday evening, shortly after the court’s ruling. He reassured party leaders that the state chapter is not in conflict despite recent tensions.
The court, presided over by Justice Toyin Adegoke, issued an ex parte order prohibiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC from proceeding with the congress. This decision followed a petition from dissenting members of the party.
The Ondo State APC has recently experienced internal strife, culminating in violence during the ward congress, where three individuals lost their lives, and party chairman Ade Adetimehin was assaulted.
In addressing party members, Aiyedatiwa downplayed the perception of discord within the party, attributing much of it to social media narratives. “The reality on the ground shows a peaceful and united chapter,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that some degree of contention is typical in political contests but emphasized that it does not equate to warfare. “We are not at war,” he stated. “Our political culture is improving, and we are committed to a fair process.”
Isaacs Kekemeke, the National Vice Chairman for the South West, also indicated that he had not received any formal communication from the party’s national headquarters regarding the situation, affirming that there is no internal strife within the party.
As the state congress approaches, party leaders remain focused on maintaining unity and a peaceful electoral process.
