By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated Isaac Kekemeke on his re-election as the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the outcome as a validation of effective leadership and party cohesion in the region.
Kekemeke was returned unopposed at the APC South-West Zonal Congress held on Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where 1,398 delegates from the six South-West states gathered to elect new zonal executives in a process widely commended for its orderliness and transparency.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who spoke shortly after the exercise, said the unanimous endorsement of Kekemeke reflected the confidence reposed in his leadership, which he noted had strengthened the party’s structure and influence across the zone over the past four years.
Also addressing delegates, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the congress as a demonstration of internal democracy, discipline, and adherence to due process within the APC. He noted that the peaceful conduct of the exercise underscored the party’s commitment to constitutional and electoral guidelines.
Sanwo-Olu commended delegates for their patience and dedication, particularly during the accreditation process which commenced at 9 a.m., and praised their loyalty to the party. He added that the South-West chapter continues to set a benchmark for political organization and discipline nationwide.
The governor further acknowledged the presence of officials from the national leadership of the party, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and members of the media for ensuring transparency and credibility throughout the process.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu congratulated Kekemeke and other newly elected executives, expressing confidence in their capacity to sustain the party’s dominance in the region.
In his remarks, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, represented by the National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, commended party members for their commitment and described the successful conduct of the congress as a product of unity and divine grace.
Kekemeke, in his address, reflected on the party’s electoral growth in the South-West and lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for facilitating a seamless congress despite the short notice. He described the event as historic and urged party members to sustain the culture of consensus and discipline.
In his acceptance speech, Kekemeke outlined key priorities for the new executive, including securing the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and working towards the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as governor of Osun State in the 2026 election cycle.
Chairman of the South-West Congress Committee, Jide Jimoh, confirmed the presence of INEC officials led by Badejo Babalola and affirmed that the congress complied with all legal and regulatory requirements.
He announced the newly elected zonal executives, all of whom emerged through consensus. They include Alfred Aluko (Secretary), Ismail Majekodunmi (Legal Adviser), Dr Lateef Ibirogba (Publicity Secretary), Ayobami Afolabi (Organising Secretary), Barrister Daramola Adesuyi (Youth Leader), and Dayo Insha (Leader for Persons with Disabilities).
The congress attracted a high-profile attendance, including Governors Aiyedatiwa, Dapo Abiodun, and Oyebanji; Ondo State Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; Minister for Youth Development Ayodele Oyewande; as well as former governors, lawmakers, party leaders, and other stakeholders from across the South-West.
The successful conduct of the congress further reinforces the APC’s strategic position in the region, with party leaders expressing optimism about sustaining electoral victories in forthcoming polls.
