By RAJI RASAK

A chieftain of the APC in Ondo State, Akogun Olutoye, says the APC should consider a candidate from Okitipupa as replacement for Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC- Ondo South district).

The call came on the backdrop of Senate’s confirmation of Ibrahim as a non-career ambassador-designate.

The APC chieftain made the call in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

He stated that Okitipupa—the largest town in Ondo South, and headquarters of the local government area of Ibrahim, aligned with the consensus that the local government should complete it’s term at the senate to maintain equity and representation.

Speaking on aspirants for the position, Olutoye stated that the immediate past speaker of the state house of assembly, Jumoke Akindele: will be the best replacement for Ibrahim.

He noted that the ideal candidate for the APC for the Ondo South senatorial district remained the former speaker.

He stated that among aspirants expressing interest in the seat, Akindele’s credentials are unparalleled.

“As the APC prepares to fill this vacancy, one name stands out prominently: Akindele, the trailblasing former speaker of the Ondo state house of assembly and the only woman to hold that position in the state’s history.

“The former speaker has the best qualifications amongst aspirants showing interest for the position.

“Akindele is a seasoned lawyer, educated at Obafemi Awolowo University, with a distinguished career in legal and public service.

“As a former legislator and speaker, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating complex legislative processes with eloquence, intellect, and strategic brilliance.

“Her tenure elevated the Ondo state house of assembly, inspiring a generation of women and youth in politics,” he stated.

According to the APC chieftain, this year, when the zone faced a crisis involving landowners and the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company, the largest and most profitable enterprise in the area, which threatened peace and commercial activities in the senatorial zone, it was Akindele who stepped in to restore harmony.

“Elders and leaders of the zone, led by wartime hero and statesman, retired Gen. Olu Bajowa nominated her as chairman of the committee tasked with resolving the issues.

“Through her efforts, the conflict was addressed, leading to restored peace in the land.”

The chieftain said the APC would also be championing gender Inclusion in the state, if it takes on a female candidate

“Nigeria’s senate currently has only four female members out of 109, highlighting a persistent gap in gender representation.

“Calls for increasing this number to better reflect the nation’s demographics have grown louder, with advocates pushing for greater female participation to bring diverse perspectives on issues like education, healthcare, and community development.

“Akindele’s candidacy will offer a historic chance for Ondo state to lead by example.

“As a proven female leader, her election will advance APC’s commitment to inclusivity and respond to national agitations for more women in the upper chamber.

“Akindele enjoys excited and widespread backing from key stakeholders, in the state and nationwide. She’s one of the early supporters and allies of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

He further stated that Akindele’s ability to build bridges is her added advantage, noting that with national and state contacts as well as a heavy war chest to prosecute the campaign bid, she’s indeed good to go.

“In contrast, other aspirants face challenges: some lack deep roots in Okitipupa, while others carry perceptions of past controversies or age-related concerns that can hinder effective representation.

“Akindele represents competence, inclusivity, and continuity. Her going to the senate would not only honor the district’s rotational principles but also empower women and youth, fostering sustainable development in Ondo south.

“The people of Ondo state deserves a representative with her depth of experience, integrity, and vision.

“As the APC selects its candidate, the former speaker emerges as the clear choice to carry the district forward into a brighter future,” he added. (NAN)

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