Aiyedatiwa leads APC South-West public hearing, Calls for inclusive reforms

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Tuesday outlined a clear reform agenda for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West, calling for inclusive reforms, strengthened internal democracy and merit-based leadership as he presided over the APC South-West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional amendments.

The public hearing, held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Akure, formed part of the party’s nationwide consultative process to review and strengthen its constitution.

Welcoming participants, Aiyedatiwa described the gathering as “a South-west Zonal Public Hearing of historic gravitas and enduring institutional value,” noting that it was “not a routine political engagement” but a solemn democratic exercise reflecting the APC’s ideological confidence, organisational maturity and reform resolve.

He said political parties endure not only by winning elections but by building strong internal institutions, describing a party’s constitution as “not a procedural manual alone; it is its ethical anchor, its governing philosophy and the prism through which power is exercised, restrained and legitimised”.

The Governor commended the National Executive Committee for constituting the APC Constitution Amendment Committee under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the 2022 constitution (as amended), describing the move as rooted in statesmanship, foresight and democratic values.

Emphasising the consultative nature of the process, Aiyedatiwa stated that internal democracy “is not an option for the APC; it is fundamental”. He praised the inclusion of international democracy-support institutions, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, persons living with disabilities, legislators, party administrators and grassroots members.

“A constitution that excludes voices ultimately weakens the institution it seeks to guide,” he said.

He described the South-West as “the intellectual engine room of progressive politics in Nigeria”, citing the region’s legacy of free education, social welfare and accountable governance, alongside Ondo State’s commitment to transparency, reform and people-centred development.

The Governor urged delegates to approach deliberations with open minds and a sense of historic responsibility, warning against narrow interests and short-term calculations.

“The APC of the future must continue to be a party where rules are clear, processes are credible, participation is guaranteed and leadership emerges through merit, service and integrity,” he said.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hazmat, described the South-West as a bastion of progressive leadership, urging members to see constitutional reforms as a tool for consolidating democracy, strengthening cohesion and ensuring fair representation across gender, age and special interest groups.

Earlier, the Ondo State APC Caretaker Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, welcomed delegates and highlighted the party’s expanding membership, referencing the recent defection of former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi. He expressed confidence that the party would surpass its previous electoral performance in the 2027 elections.

Delivering the keynote address, Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, a member of the Constitution Amendment Committee representing the South-East, said the committee was inaugurated on 26 February 2025 to align the party’s constitution with evolving political realities and growing membership.

She emphasised inclusivity, drawing attention to Article 7 of the APC constitution, which provides for affirmative action for women, youth and persons with disabilities, and stressed that loyalty and service should be recognised.

In his vote of thanks, the APC National Vice-Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke, urged members to participate actively in the ongoing e-registration exercise. He also stressed the need to harmonise multiple versions of the APC constitution to avoid confusion within the National Working Committee.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; and members of the Ondo State House of Assembly.