By Segun Giwa
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Wednesday in Akure met with members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The Chairman of GAC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, while speaking with newsmen, said the meeting was the council’s first since the primaries.
Akinyelure added that the meeting reflected the commitment of party leaders to resolve differences, and safeguard the stability and future of the party.
He said that the council last met about a year ago, stating that the party’s greatest strength remained its unity of purpose.
Akinyelure noted that disagreements arising from political contests were normal in a democracy and had always been resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, selflessness and sacrifice.
“Today’s meeting is of immense significance. It is the first we are having since our recent party primaries.
“Consequently, this meeting is not merely a gathering of political leaders, but a demonstration of our collective commitment to reconcile and preserve the unity, strength and progressive ideals that have sustained this party in Ondo State over the years.
“The 2027 general elections are imminent. Ondo State is on record as having given Mr President the second highest vote percentage nationally in the 2023 elections.
“We owe it a duty to consolidate on this impressive statistic by working together effectively and collaboratively with both sides, government and party, to deliver an overwhelming victory for the APC in 2027.
”As Chairman of the GAC, I wish to re-emphasise that our greatest asset is not our membership of this august body, but in our unity of purpose.
“Political contests will always come and go, political ambitions will naturally arise, with difference of opinions being inevitable in any democratic setting.
“The strength of our party has always been our ability to reconcile and resolve differences through dialogue, mutual respect, selflessness and sacrifice,” he said.
He commended Aiyedatiwa’s administration and assured the governor of the council’s continued support, while urging members to shun division, bitterness and unnecessary rancour.
He added that the meeting reviewed issues affecting the party and expressed satisfaction that necessary adjustments had been made to strengthen its unity.
Also speaking, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice said the meeting resolved to support the governor and ensure that all party members recognised him as the APC leader in the state.
Boroffice described Aiyedatiwa as the institution representing the APC in Ondo State, adding that the leaders resolved to intensify efforts towards Tinubu’s re-election and improve on the state’s performance in the last presidential election.
He disclosed that the leaders would engage the APC national leadership to reaffirm their solidarity and communicate the resolutions.
Also speaking, APC South-West Vice Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, said over 30 party leaders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to Tinubu’s re-election and resolved that all support groups should operate under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.
Kekemeke urged the national leadership of the party to involve all major stakeholders in decisions concerning Ondo State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
GSD/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni