**APC Congress in Ondo State Put on Hold: What's Next?** In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court in Akure, Ondo State, has temporarily halted the planned state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled to hold today. This decision was made in response to an ex parte application filed by a group of aggrieved party members, who claim that the congresses at the ward and local government levels were marred by violence and irregularities. The Ondo APC had earlier announced the congress for today, inviting delegates to the event. However, the court has restrained the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with the congress pending the determination of the substantive suit. The court has also directed the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, warning that no further steps should be taken to prejudice the determination of the suit. The crisis in the Ondo chapter of the APC has been brewing for some time, with allegations of violence and manipulation during the ward congresses. The governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the party chairman, Ade Adetimehin, have been at loggerheads over the control of the party. The governor has been accused of backing those who unleashed violence on party members during the congresses, a claim he has denied. The APC ward congresses were marred by violence, resulting in the death of two persons and injuries to many others. The outcome of the congresses has further fractured the ruling party, raising concerns about the ability of the party to hold a credible congress. The court has fixed March 26 for the hearing of the substantive matter, giving the parties time to prepare their arguments. In the meantime, the APC in Ondo State will have to put its plans for the state congress on hold. This development is a setback for the party, which was keen to hold the congress as scheduled. However, it is also an opportunity for the party to reflect on the crisis that has engulfed it and to find a way to resolve its internal conflicts. As the country heads into the 2027 general elections, the APC in Ondo State will need to put its house in order if it hopes to remain a dominant force in the state. The court's decision to halt the state congress is a temporary reprieve, but it also raises questions about the party's ability to manage its internal conflicts and to conduct a credible congress.