Kolawole Babatunde is the Special Adviser to the Ondo State governor on Legislative Matters and Party Affairs. He speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI on the current state of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, the just-concluded ward and local government congresses, the crisis within the party, among other issues.
Was the reported attack on the party chairman linked in any way to the rivalry between the Aiyedatiwa and BTO factions ahead of the congress?
Like every other person, I read about the purported attack on the outgoing party chairman in the news media. I am not in a position to speak for the party regarding whatever transpired at the State Secretariat on the said date.
How would you assess the outcome of the recent ward congresses across Ondo State?
The recent ward congresses conducted across the 203 wards in Ondo State stand out as one of the most peaceful, free, fair, and rancour-free congresses ever held in the state. This clearly attests to the unity and cohesion within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State under the leadership of His Excellency, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, regardless of the false narratives circulating in some sections of the media.
With claims of imposition and procedural irregularities, are you concerned this could widen the cracks in the party? What is your reaction to these allegations?
The allegations of imposition and irregularities are baseless, unfounded, and should be disregarded. In each of the 203 wards, party leaders met collectively and jointly nominated candidates for the various positions. Importantly, no individual has come forward to claim that he or she was sidelined in the process. It will also interest you to note that, for the first time, the appeal committees for both the ward and local government congresses received no petitions from any aggrieved aspirant after the exercise. This is a strong indication that the outcomes were widely accepted and satisfactory to party members.
If the rivalry is indeed tied to positioning for 2027, how is the party working to contain tensions and ensure unity before the elections?
There is no rivalry or supremacy battle within the APC in Ondo State. Anyone peddling such narratives is clearly not in tune with the realities on the ground. The party remains united and focused on consolidating its achievements and strengthening its grassroots structures. Preparations for future elections are being handled in a manner that prioritises inclusiveness, fairness, and collective decision-making.
Do the governor and his camp believe the unrest signals deeper factional divisions within the party?
There is no unrest anywhere in the state. I want to state clearly and unequivocally that there are no factions within the Ondo State APC. The party remains united and committed to its collective goals.
Critics say some stakeholders feel sidelined in party affairs. What reconciliation mechanisms is the governor supporting to restore unity?
The APC in Ondo State remains one of the most united state chapters of the party in the country. The leadership of the party has continued to engage relevant stakeholders in its decision-making processes. Since assuming office, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has consistently held quarterly APC stakeholders’ meetings, providing a platform for dialogue, consultation, and collective decision-making.
Has Governor Aiyedatiwa reached out to key APC leaders perceived to be in the opposing camp, and is the national leadership of the party involved in resolving crisis in the party?
There is no opposition camp within the Ondo State APC. As a result, there is no crisis requiring external intervention. The party in the state remains united under its leadership and continues to work harmoniously toward shared objectives.