The All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed that Ward, Local Government and State Executives Committees elected at its 2026 congresses be inaugurated in line with the party's constitution. The directive followed the completion of congresses across the country, many of which produced new or returning leaders through consensus arrangements.
In a statement issued yesterday, National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, thanked members and stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the exercise nationwide. He said, "The All Progressives Congress (APC) hereby directs that the Ward, Local Government and State Executive Committee duly elected at the 2026 Congresses of the party be sworn in/inaugurated today or soon hereafter in accordance with the relevant provisions of the party's constitution."
In Lagos State, the party re-elected Cornelius Ojelabi and members of the State Executive Committee for another four-year term. The executives were returned unopposed in what leaders described as a consensus arrangement, with delegates affirming the team amid applause at the congress venue.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the exercise as evidence of cohesion and organisational strength. He declared, “It is not a day of long speeches, but a day to tell the entire nation that the APC in Lagos is about uncommon standards. We have shown that the party structure in Lagos is next to none in the entire country. We have demonstrated that the party is supreme and strengthened by unity of purpose.”
In Anambra State, former senator Emmanuel Anosike emerged chairman through consensus, alongside other executives. Chairman of the Congress Committee and Returning Officer, Rear Admiral William Kayode (rtd), said the process complied with constitutional provisions permitting consensus, while Senator Uche Ekwunife explained that the “basketing” approach was adopted to produce credible leaders. The outgoing executive led by Chief Basil Ejidike was dissolved by voice vote.
Bayelsa State witnessed what Governor Douye Diri described as a historic congress. Speaking at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, Diri noted that the exercise was peaceful and rancour-free, marking a departure from previous congresses marred by conflict. The new chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, pledged to sustain unity and position the party for electoral victories.
In Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi was re-elected chairman alongside 35 others at the congress held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta. Governor Dapo Abiodun stressed that internal democracy must be practised in substance, not merely proclaimed, warning against patronage politics and backroom deals.
Ondo State’s congress proceeded despite a court order seeking to halt it. Former lawmaker Kolawole Babatunde emerged chairman by consensus at the DOME in Akure. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa told party faithful, “Today’s congress is more than a routine political exercise. It is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to party supremacy, unity, inclusiveness and discipline. The APC remains a party built on structure, order and collective responsibility, which aligns with the first point in our seven-point agenda addressing order, security and the rule of law.”
In Benue State, parallel congresses produced two executive committees led by Benjamin Omale and Austin Agada. At the Ibrahim Babangida Square in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended supporters and pledged continued good governance. Speakers at the event reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and party leaders, emphasising unity as critical to electoral success.
Enugu State elected Dr. Martin Chukwunweike as chairman and Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie as secretary of a 37-member executive at a congress held at Okpara Square. Governor Peter Mbah described the exercise as peaceful and symbolic of party cohesion, stating, “What we have done here together shows that we are all members of a big family. Enugu State is not just a model of governance. Enugu State is also a model for politics. We have shown that the marriage of parties we had was not a marriage of convenience. It is a real marriage.”
In Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe and a 36-member executive were returned unopposed at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Hub in Benin City. The congress also endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for second terms. Former governor Adams Oshiomhole remarked during the event that political sins were part of politics and “could not lead anybody to hellfire.”
In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma welcomed about 1,320 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party into the APC at the Government House, Owerri. He described their decision as a move towards “a new trajectory of development,” adding, “This decision is not about personal gain; it is in the interest of our people. The government of Imo State belongs to all of us.”
Across the states, the APC congresses were largely characterised by consensus arrangements, voice affirmations and pledges of loyalty to the party’s national leadership. The developments underscore the ruling party’s efforts to consolidate its structures ahead of future electoral contests while projecting unity and internal stability nationwide.
