A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, has formally declared her intention to contest for the Ondo South Senatorial seat ahead of the next electoral cycle, positioning herself as a successor to the incumbent lawmaker, Jimoh Ibrahim. Ibrahim is widely speculated to be in line for a potential diplomatic role as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a development that could open up the senatorial contest in the district.
In a strongly worded declaration, Akindele acknowledged the presence of formidable contenders but emphasized that her aspiration is rooted in both competence and a broader socio-political imperative. She described her bid as part of a necessary shift toward gender inclusion, noting that Ondo State remains the only state in Nigeria’s South-West region yet to produce a female senator since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999. According to her, this historical gap underscores a structural imbalance that must now be corrected.
The former Speaker further highlighted her legislative credentials, recalling her rise to leadership within the state assembly as a first-term lawmaker. She argued that her experience in parliamentary leadership, combined with her political maturity, places her in a strong position to represent Ondo South at the National Assembly of Nigeria. She also referenced the limited representation of women from the state at the federal level, citing Hon. Febi Adeyemi as a rare example from the House of Representatives.
Akindele used the opportunity to appeal directly to the state governor, urging him to support female aspirants as part of a broader legacy of inclusive governance. She described women as the “backbone of democracy,” citing their long-standing role in political mobilization and grassroots support. In her words, the moment represents a defining opportunity for the administration to address gender imbalance and earn enduring recognition from women across the state.
Framing the contest ahead as a potential “David and Goliath” battle, Akindele expressed confidence in eventual victory, signaling readiness for what may become a highly competitive race in Ondo South. Political observers note that her declaration adds a significant dimension to the emerging contest, particularly around gender representation and intra-party dynamics.
With political alignments gradually taking shape, the Ondo South senatorial race is expected to attract heightened attention in the coming months, as stakeholders weigh continuity, competence, and calls for inclusivity in determining the district’s next representative.
Leave a Reply