A coalition of traditional rulers, community leaders, youth, and women organisations in Ondo South Senatorial District has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairman (South West) Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke, to contest for the district’s seat in the Senate at the next election .
It announced the endorsement at the end of its quarterly meeting in Okitipupa on Tuesday, which drew participants from all six local government areas of Ondo South, ncluding Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese Odo, Irele, Odigbo, and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo.
The group’s coordinator, Raphael Ebiwonjumi, who spoke at the meeting said the group decided to rally behind Kekemeke as a candidate capable of addressing longstanding development challenges in the district.
He said Kekemeke’s leadership experience and track record make him the ideal candidate to complement the ongoing initiatives of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the state.
Also, he stressed the need for leaders who have shown competence in public office to seek strategic positions, enabling collaboration with current administrations to advance state development.
Ebiwonjumi noted that the National Assembly is in urgent need of brilliant, experienced, and politically mature individuals who can effectively represent the people and contribute to national development.
The coalition highlighted Kekemeke’s unique combination of political acumen, private sector experience, and extensive networks, saying this would strengthen legislative oversight and ensure the passage of impactful laws.
The group further suggested that Kekemeke’s entry into the Senate would reinforce ongoing efforts in Ondo State to modernize governance, improve infrastructural development, and accelerate economic empowerment programs.
He said “We need quality leaders who have proved their mettle in their previous public assignments to aspire for strategic public offices, where they could collaborate with Governor Aiyedatiwa to move the state to greater heights.
“Ondo South has suffered from inadequate representation for too long. We need a senator who listens, acts, and delivers tangible results for all communities. Isaacs Kekemeke has proven through his leadership and community work that he is the right person to represent us at the National Assembly.
“Kekemeke was outstanding during his time as Commissioner for Works, Chairman of NECO, the state chairman of Ondo APC, and in his present position as APC Vice chairman in South West. He possesses laudable vision and the inherent leadership capacity to translate ideas to reality.
“This is the time we need to consolidate on the framework of the laudable vision of Kekemeke and create synergy with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of digital development, which has become a key driver of innovation and economic growth in our state.”
The group also highlighted Kekemeke’s extensive track record as a public leader, who previously served in senior positions within a major political party, where he coordinated strategic grassroots mobilization across the South-West.
The group said this experience equips him with the skills needed to negotiate and advocate for Ondo South at the federal level, noting that
Kekemeke has also been involved in initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and health services in local communities.
They however, called on governor Aiyedatiwa to give support to the aspirations by encouraging him to come out to represent the district at the National Assembly in the next general election.
“Kekemeke understands the challenges our young people face. He has always engaged with youth programs and created opportunities for skills development and employment.
“A senator must represent everyone fairly and bring people together. Kekemeke has demonstrated the capacity to do this, and we believe he will ensure Ondo South’s voice is heard in Abuja”
While Kekemeke has not formally declared his intention to run, sources close to him said he is “honored by the confidence shown by community stakeholders” but said the former commissioner of works in the state will consult widely with local leaders and party officials before making a final decision.
