APC Re-elects Kekemeke as South-West Zonal Chairman in Lagos Congress
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully re-elected Dr. Isaacs Kekemeke as the South-West Zonal Chairman during a significant zonal congress held on Wednesday. The event, which took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island, saw a robust attendance of 3,188 delegates representing all six states in the South-West region: Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo.
Consensus Arrangement and Executive Committee Elections
Kekemeke's re-election was achieved through a consensus arrangement that was formally ratified by a voice vote, reflecting a unified decision among party members. This process also led to the election of other key members of the zonal executive committee, ensuring a comprehensive leadership structure for the region.
The newly elected officials include:
- Alfred Aluko as Zonal Secretary
- Ismail Majaro as Legal Adviser
- Dr. Lateef Ibirogba as Organising Secretary
- Ayobami Afolabi as Publicity Secretary
- Mrs. Yetunde Adesanya as Woman Leader
- Barrister Daramola Adesuyi as Youth Leader
- Dayo Ishola as Representative for Persons Living with Disabilities
High-Profile Attendance and Political Commitments
The congress attracted a notable array of APC dignitaries, underscoring its importance within the party. Among the attendees were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State. Other prominent figures included Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Osun APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, and former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, along with numerous senators and party leaders from across the region.
During the proceedings, delegates made renewed commitments to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu in preparation for the 2027 general elections. They pledged to secure the highest possible votes for the APC in the South-West, highlighting the region's strategic role in the upcoming electoral cycle.
Acceptance Speech and Future Projections
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Kekemeke expressed strong confidence in the party's strength within the South-West. He assured members of improved performance under his leadership and projected victories for the APC in the 2027 governorship elections in Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo states. His remarks emphasised a forward-looking approach aimed at consolidating the party's influence and achieving electoral success.
Commendations and Electoral Compliance
Speaking on behalf of the South-West APC governors, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the peaceful conduct of the congress, describing it as a demonstration of political maturity and unity within the region. He acknowledged the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in monitoring the process, noting that the exercise fully complied with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.
"Today, we have witnessed the conduct of a free and fair election, adhering strictly to the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act. This congress exemplifies that the South-West is united and stands as a formidable political bloc," Sanwo-Olu stated.
Jide Jimoh, Chairman of the Zonal Congress Committee, affirmed that the congress upheld the progressive political tradition of the South-West and confirmed full compliance with electoral guidelines. Additionally, the APC National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, represented by the party's National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, congratulated the newly elected executives. He urged them to work collectively towards delivering electoral victories for the party in 2027.
Statutory Delegates and Broader Implications
The congress included statutory delegates such as zonal chairmen, former officeholders, serving and former governors, members of the National Assembly, state party chairmen, National Executive Committee members, and other national convention delegates. This broad representation ensured that the election process was inclusive and reflective of the party's diverse leadership.
Overall, the re-election of Dr. Isaacs Kekemeke and the election of the new zonal executive committee mark a significant step in strengthening the APC's organisational structure in the South-West. With a clear focus on mobilising support for the 2027 elections, the party aims to leverage this unity and strategic planning to achieve substantial electoral gains in the region.
