Kola Babatunde Emerges APC Chairman In Ondo Congress

Honourable Kola Babatunde emerged as chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State after the party held its state congress in Akure on Tuesday.

Party officials said the congress took place at the International Centre and Event Centre in the state capital on 3 March 2026. The exercise went ahead despite a restraining order reportedly issued by the Federal High Court over the APC congress process.

At the end of the session, Babatunde was announced as state chairman, while former party publicity secretary Alex Kalejaye emerged as state secretary. Delegates and stakeholders present at the venue said the executives were adopted through a consensus arrangement and affirmed by voice vote.

The party’s choice of consensus was presented as a way to avoid prolonged contest and close ranks before coming political activities in the state. Leaders at the venue said agreement among key blocs made the mode possible and reduced internal friction during voting.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was reported to be in attendance as the congress progressed, a sign of executive interest in the outcome and the structure that will now manage party coordination in Ondo.

The development places Babatunde at the centre of organising the APC in the state, including party administration, mobilising local structures and leading internal coordination ahead of future electoral milestones. Kalejaye’s emergence as secretary also positions him to manage documentation and communication within the state executive.

Although the congress has produced officers, attention is expected to remain on legal questions around the restraining order and whether further court action will affect outcomes from the exercise. Party actors are likely to watch closely for any ruling that could alter recognition of the process.

For now, APC stakeholders in Ondo have signalled support for the newly announced leadership team and framed the congress as a completed internal process. The immediate focus is expected to shift to consolidation, reconciliation among factions and preparation for coming political engagements across the state.

The state congress outcome marks a significant moment in Ondo APC politics, with Babatunde and his executive now tasked with steering the party through legal, organisational and electoral demands in the months ahead.