INEC Absent as Aiyedatiwa’s Aide Emerges Ondo APC Chairman

INEC Absent as Aiyedatiwa’s Aide Emerges Ondo APC Chairman

The crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State took another twist on Tuesday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stayed away from the party’s state congress held in Akure, where Kolawole Babatunde was affirmed as chairman.

Babatunde, a close aide to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and popularly known as ‘Ameachi’, emerged through affirmation alongside 35 other officials during the exercise in the state capital.

INEC’s absence followed an ex parte order issued on Monday by a Federal High Court sitting in Akure, restraining both the commission and the APC from proceeding with the congress.

The order was granted by Justice Toyin Adegoke after aggrieved members of the party approached the court to challenge the process.

Despite the subsisting court directive, party leaders went ahead with the congress, producing a new state executive council.

The Ondo APC has in recent weeks been engulfed in internal wrangling that turned violent during the ward congress, where three persons reportedly lost their lives.

In another incident, the outgoing state chairman, Ade Adetimehin, was attacked and injured alongside other party chieftains during a stakeholders’ meeting.

The congress was also marked by the absence of several key figures, including Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, the senators representing the state, and most members of the House of Representatives.

The only federal lawmaker present was Jimi Odimayo, representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

Before his emergence as chairman, Babatunde served as Special Adviser to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Party Affairs and Legislative Matters. He previously represented Akoko South West/South East Federal Constituency in the 8th National Assembly.