Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the auspices of the APC mandate group in ondo state have called on the chairman of the ondo state universal basic education board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, who according to the group is aspiring to be the next state party chairman, to resign his present appointment and stop using government resources to pursue his ambition.
The group in a statement signed by their secretary, Sogbe Oluwadamilola on Thursday, also frowned at Olabimtan's attempt to conven a party stakeholders meeting, which according to them, clearly undermines the principle of equity and transparency, disregards the sensitivities of other aspirants in the race.
The also said such a gathering, under the control of an aspirant, cannot in good conscience be called a neutral stakeholders meeting.
They added that it amounts to weaponizing access and influence in order to create the perception of collective endorsement, thereby skewing the political playing field in a manner that is prejudicial to the internal democratic process of our great party.
Below is the full text of the statement unedited;
APC MANDATE GROUP ONDO STATE
Re: Akoko APC Stakeholders Meeting - A Call for Restraint, Equity, and Ethical Conduct in the Interest of Party Unity
Our attention has been drawn to a scheduled meeting of APC stakeholders in Akoko, convened by Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, one of the declared aspirants for the Ondo State APC Chairmanship, billed to hold on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Saint Gregory’s Mega School, Ikare-Akoko.
We consider it pertinent to set the records straight and express our deep concern regarding the propriety, timing, and motive behind this gathering.
While we acknowledge the democratic right of Rt. Hon. Olabimtan to organize meetings with his supporters and campaign team, it is fundamentally unfair, morally inappropriate, and politically questionable for him as an active contender to unilaterally summon a meeting under the guise of an “Akoko APC Stakeholders Meeting.
” This move clearly undermines the principle of equity and transparency, and it disregards the sensitivities of other aspirants in the race.
Such a gathering, under the control of an aspirant, cannot in good conscience be called a neutral stakeholders meeting.
It amounts to weaponizing access and influence in order to create the perception of collective endorsement, thereby skewing the political playing field in a manner that is prejudicial to the internal democratic process of our great party.
More worrisome is the visible strain being placed on public resources, particularly within the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), an agency chaired by Rt. Hon. Olabimtan.
The growing political activities associated with his ambition appear to be interfering with the core responsibilities of the office he occupies. This is not only unethical but also antithetical to the principles of good governance that the APC-led government in Ondo State stands for.
In light of the above, we firmly demand that Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan immediately resign from his position as Chairman of SUBEB if he intends to continue with his ambition for the party's chairmanship. Public office should never be converted into a political launchpad for personal aspirations, especially not at the expense of due process and equity within the party structure.
We also use this medium to call the attention of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and all respected leaders of the APC in Akoko to this development, which, if unchecked, could cast a shadow over the integrity of the coming party congresses. Rt. Hon. Olabimtan must be reined in to prevent further erosion of internal party trust.
At this critical time in the life of our party, only non-aligned and elder statesmen such as Baba Seinde Arogbofa, Baba Ali Olanusi, Baba Demola Ijabiyi, Baba Erastus Akeju, Chief Bailey Arohunmolase, Baba Elemeje and Captain Vincent Oyepata (rtd.) who are men of proven neutrality and wisdom possess the moral authority to convene any meeting genuinely representative of Akoko APC stakeholders.
There must be a level playing field for all aspirants to the party’s leadership positions. Manipulative tactics and undue advantage must have no place in the Ondo APC as we work toward strengthening our internal democracy and consolidating the confidence of our teeming supporters.
Let this be a call to fairness, order, and respect for collective values.
SIGNED:
SOGBE OLUWADAMILOLA
OBA-AKOKO, AKOKO SOUTHWEST
ONDO STATE SECRETARY
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