The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has asserted that sharp practices such as manipulation of structures, influence peddling, and transactional politics have no place in the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He maintained that the party is built on a solid rock, founded on progressive governance, inclusiveness, people-centered development, and accountability.
The Governor stated this at the State Congress held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, to elect new leadership for the party in the state.
Abiodun said that while such actions may lead to divisions for short-term gain, in the long run, they degrade the moral authority that underpins long-term political processes, weaken institutions, and erode trust.
He counseled the newly elected state executive members to behave in accordance with the party’s highest ideals, respect, defend, and support the constitution, foster unity among all ideologies, and mediate disputes among members.
Abiodun insisted that their offices are not ceremonial but strategic, stressing the need for them to remain transparent, accountable, and to mobilize effectively and consistently at the grassroots level.
He said: “Let me be blunt. Influence peddling, manipulation of structures, and transactional politics have no place in a progressive party like ours. Such practices may create divisions for short-term advantage, but ultimately weaken our institutions, diminish trust, and erode the moral authority upon which enduring political processes are built.
“The era of backroom bargaining and peddling political favors must give way to principled leadership and transparent processes. To those elected today as state executive members, your conduct must reflect the highest standards of party leadership. You are expected to abound in honour, uphold and defend the constitution of our party at all times, promote unity across tendencies, and reconcile members.
“Strengthen structures from ward to state level. Ensure inclusiveness of youth, women, and all others. Remain accessible like public property, remain transparent and accountable. And finally, mobilize effectively and consistently at the grassroots. Your offices are not ceremonial; they are strategic.”
DAILY POST reports that the new party leaders were elected in a consensus arrangement, with Yemi Sanusi as the chairman for a second term in office.
Sanusi, in his acceptance speech, promised that the state executives would run an all-inclusive administration that would accommodate every stakeholder, assuring a united and strong party ahead of the general polls in 2027.
“This is not a victory for me alone, but a victory for the progressive ideals we stand for. We will run an inclusive administration that will accommodate every stakeholder and ensure that our party remains united and strong ahead of future elections,” he said.
The Congress, conducted by the State Congress Committee under the chairmanship of Wale Ohu, had a total of 1,180 delegates and was supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Ohu, who was the returning officer for the Congress, declared the process free, fair, and in line with the party’s constitution, urging the new executive to prioritize unity as the party looks toward the next electoral cycle.
Influence peddling, manipulation, transactional politics have no place in APC – Gov Abiodun