Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following what he described as a “peaceful and successful” national convention in Abuja.

He said the outcome reflects internal unity within the ruling party and signals stability for the administration.

“A sign of party maturity”

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who led Ondo State delegates to the convention, said the orderly conduct and consensus-based emergence of party leaders demonstrate political maturity.

“I extend warm congratulations to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our great party, the All Progressives Congress, on the peaceful and successful conclusion of its National Convention,” he said.

“The orderly process, spirit of unity and reaffirmation of shared ideals attest to the maturity of our party and the strength of its internal democracy.”

The APC convention is a key political event that determines the leadership structure of Nigeria’s ruling party, often shaping policy direction and electoral strategy.

New leadership emerges

The governor also congratulated Nentawe Yilwatda, who emerged as the party’s National Chairman, alongside other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Their emergence, he noted, was largely uncontested, which party officials say reflects internal consensus.

“I commend the National Working Committee, the Convention Planning Committee, delegates and all stakeholders for their discipline and commitment,” Aiyedatiwa added.

Why it matters

Political analysts say peaceful conventions are critical for party cohesion, especially in a country where internal disputes have previously led to defections and legal battles.

For the APC, maintaining unity is seen as crucial ahead of future elections and for sustaining support for President Tinubu’s policies.

Aiyedatiwa linked the convention outcome to governance, stressing that party unity should translate into delivery.

“As a governing party, moments like these renew our collective responsibility to deliver good governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.”

Impact on Ondo State

The governor said Ondo State would build on the momentum from the convention by strengthening grassroots mobilisation and development efforts.

“In Ondo State, we remain steadfast in building on this momentum—deepening grassroots mobilisation, expanding development across communities, and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every citizen.”

He also praised delegates from the state for their conduct during the convention.

Industry and public perspective

Political observers note that while consensus leadership can reduce internal friction, it also raises questions about inclusiveness and competitiveness within party structures.

However, supporters argue that unity is essential for policy continuity and governance stability.

What’s next

Attention is expected to shift to how the newly affirmed leadership of the APC will align with government priorities and prepare for upcoming political contests.

For state leaders like Aiyedatiwa, the focus remains on translating party cohesion into local development outcomes.

Youth groups in Ondo North Senatorial District have accused Senator Jide Ipinsagba of failing to execute an ₦80m empowerment project, demanding immediate proof that the funds were used as approved.

The project, listed under the 2024 federal budget, was designed to provide motorcycles and grinding machines to residents to support livelihoods and small businesses.

But residents say there is no visible evidence the initiative was ever carried out.

Why it matters

The programme, tagged Project Code ERGP20243398, was funded through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).

It was expected to boost local economies in Ondo North by improving transportation and agro-processing capacity.

At a time of rising living costs in Nigeria, such interventions are seen as critical support for struggling communities.

Youths raise concerns

In a strongly worded statement, youth representatives said the absence of any public record or distribution event raises “serious allegations” about the project’s execution.

They called on the senator to release:

Dated photographs of distribution events

A full list of beneficiaries

Verification details of recipients

A timeline for any pending deliveries

“There is no evidence that this project has reached the people. We demand transparency and accountability now,” the group said.

They warned that failure to provide proof could lead to formal petitions to oversight agencies and a direct complaint to the ARCN.

Allegations and accountability

The youths alleged that the ₦80m allocation may have been diverted, describing the situation as a “betrayal” of constituents.

They said the intervention was meant to provide practical tools for income generation but has instead sparked public outrage.

No official response from Senator Ipinsagba was immediately available at the time of filing this report.

Industry and public perspective

Public finance experts say constituency projects in Nigeria often face scrutiny due to weak monitoring systems.

What’s next

Youth leaders say they will escalate the matter if their demands are not met.

They plan to petition relevant oversight bodies and push for the identification of contractors linked to the project.

The ARCN is also expected to face pressure to clarify its role in supervising the initiative.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports claiming it has fixed prices for its 2027 election nomination forms, describing the information as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party said no official decision has been made regarding the sale or pricing of nomination forms for the next general elections.

“The report is FAKE, and did not emanate from the Party,” said Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary.

Why it matters

The circulation of unverified political information is becoming more common as Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.

False claims about nomination form prices can mislead aspirants, create confusion within political parties, and fuel distrust among voters.

The APC is Nigeria’s ruling party and a major player in the country’s electoral process, making any information linked to its internal processes highly sensitive.

APC response

The party said the alleged “price list” being shared across some media platforms did not originate from its leadership.

“To be clear, no decision or announcement has been made on the sale or pricing of forms for the 2027 elections,” Mr Morka said.

He added that the report was “a mere figment of the writer’s mischievous imagination.”

The APC urged party members, journalists, and the public to ignore the claims entirely.

Growing concern over misinformation

Political analysts say misinformation often increases in the early stages of election cycles, especially on social media platforms.

Experts warn that such reports, if unchecked, could influence political participation and public perception of transparency within parties.

They advise citizens to rely on official party channels and credible news organisations for verified updates.

What’s next

The APC has not announced a timeline for releasing its 2027 nomination guidelines.

Political parties are expected to begin formal preparations closer to the election period, in line with regulations from Nigeria’s electoral body.

Until then, stakeholders say caution and verification remain key.