Kolawole Babatunde emerges as APC chairman in Ondo State amid party crises and court injunction, taking over from Ade Adetimehin
Kolawole Babatunde, an aide to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has emerged as the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
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The announcement came on Tuesday during the state congress held in Akure, the state capital, where Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Ameachi,’ was affirmed in office.
The congress, which produced 36 new officials for the party, took place in the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The absence followed a Federal High Court ex parte order issued on Monday by Justice Toyin Adegoke, restraining INEC and the APC from proceeding with the congress.
The order was filed by aggrieved members of the party.
Ondo State APC has faced a series of crises in recent weeks. Violence erupted during the ward congresses, resulting in three fatalities.
Ade Adetimehin, the former state chairman, and several party chieftains were reportedly beaten during a stakeholders’ meeting.
The congress also saw notable absences among senior party figures.
The deputy governor, Olayide Adelami, senators representing the state, and most House of Representatives members were not in attendance, except for Jimi Odimayo, representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.
Before his emergence as state chairman, Babatunde represented the Akoko Southwest/Southeast Federal Constituency in the 8th National Assembly and served as the special adviser to Governor Aiyedatiwa on party affairs and legislative matters.
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The new leadership is expected to navigate the party through ongoing internal disputes while preparing for upcoming political contests in Ondo State.
