Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has stressed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must embrace inclusive reforms, strengthen internal democracy, and entrench merit-based leadership.

According to the governor, political parties endure not only by winning elections but also by building strong internal institutions.

Aiyedatiwa disclosed this while leading proceedings at the APC South-west Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional amendments held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Akure, the state capital.

While commending the National Executive Committee for constituting the APC Constitution Amendment Committee under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review and strengthen the 2022 constitution (as amended), Aiyedatiwa described the decision as rooted in statesmanship, foresight, and a commitment to democratic principles.

He said, “A constitution that excludes voices ultimately weakens the institution it seeks to guide. 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 also lauded the chairman, members and secretariat of the APC Constitution Amendment Committee for their diligence, as well as delegates and stakeholders whose memoranda and submissions, he said, would enrich the process and shape its final outcomes.

On his part, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Femi Hamzat, urged delegates to view the reforms as a tool for consolidating the APC’s democratic credentials, strengthening internal cohesion and safeguarding equitable representation across gender, age and special interest groups.

Hamzat also called on members to actively participate in decision-making processes, stressing that engagement at every level was crucial to the party’s responsiveness and accountability.

The Ondo State APC caretaker chairman, Ade Adetimehin, who cited the recent defection of the former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, pledged that in the 2027 elections, the state would not only replicate its previous performance but also double the votes the party received.

A member of the Constitution Amendment Committee representing the Southeast, Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, said the committee was constituted under the party’s national leadership, alongside governors, including the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.

The APC national vice-chairman (south-west), Dr Isaac Kekemeke, who encouraged members to participate actively in the ongoing e-registration exercise, urged delegates to deliberate on party membership, financial contributions, candidate selection, and mechanisms to protect the interests of women, youth, and special groups.

He also underscored the need to harmonise multiple versions of the APC constitution to eliminate confusion within the National Working Committee.