𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗚 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀, 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀, 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗸𝗲'𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

BY NIGERDELTA VOICE, Niger DeIta, Nigeria.

The senatorial ambition of Hon. (Barr.) D.I. Kekemeke, Ph.D., has continued to gather momentum across Ondo South Senatorial District following a series of endorsements from political stakeholders, grassroots groups, youth organisations, women groups, community leaders and local government officials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kekemeke, a former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, former Commissioner for Works and current APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), has intensified consultations across the six local government areas in the district as he seeks the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket.

His campaign train has so far visited Okitipupa, Irele, Ese-Odo and Ilaje local government areas, where he engaged party leaders, stakeholders and grassroots supporters on his vision for Ondo South. The consultations are part of efforts to consolidate support ahead of the APC primary election scheduled for May 18, 2026.

Six Council Chairmen Back Kekemeke

One of the strongest endorsements for the APC chieftain came from the six local government chairmen in Ondo South, who unanimously declared support for his senatorial ambition during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Okitipupa.

The council chairmen described Kekemeke as a tested administrator and experienced politician with the capacity to deliver quality representation for the district at the National Assembly.

The chairmen included Hon. Ogunsakin Andrew Soja (Okitipupa), Hon. Adegoroye Taiwo (Odigbo), Hon. Jedi Akinfe (Irele), Hon. Maurice Openaya (Ilaje), Hon. Ebis Molos (Ese-Odo) and Hon. Adebare Adebayo (Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo).

According to the council bosses, their decision was based on Kekemeke’s “proven pedigree,” political experience and contributions to the growth and stability of the APC in Ondo State.

The chairmen also aligned themselves with the consensus arrangement reportedly backed by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and party leaders in the state.

Community Leaders, Women and Youth Groups Declare Support

Earlier endorsements had also emerged from various groups and stakeholders across Ondo South even before Kekemeke formally declared his ambition.

Community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and youth organisations from the six local government areas of Ondo South had publicly urged him to contest the Senate seat, citing his experience, leadership capacity and political influence.

A coalition of stakeholders from Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo had described Kekemeke as the most qualified aspirant capable of providing effective and responsive representation for the district.

Coordinator of one of the stakeholder groups, Raphael Ebiwonjumi, said Kekemeke’s political experience, administrative competence and extensive network made him the ideal candidate to address developmental challenges facing Ondo South.

The groups maintained that the National Assembly required experienced and politically mature individuals capable of attracting federal projects, strengthening legislative oversight and promoting economic empowerment programmes in the district.

According to them, Kekemeke’s previous service as Commissioner for Works, APC State Chairman and APC National Vice Chairman demonstrated his leadership capacity and commitment to development.

“Historic and Unusual Call” to Serve

Upon formally declaring his ambition in April, Kekemeke disclosed that sustained pressure from party leaders, women groups and youths across Ondo South convinced him to join the Senate race.

Describing the support for his candidacy as overwhelming, the APC chieftain said the calls represented a “historic and unusual call” which he could no longer ignore after months of consultations with political associates, family members and key stakeholders.

“The more I tried to ignore the calls, the louder they became,” Kekemeke stated while announcing his decision to contest for the Ondo South Senate seat.

He pledged to offer “fair, fearless and quality representation” if elected, promising to make governance more responsive to the needs of the people.

Consultation Tour Across Ondo South

During his consultation meetings across the district, Kekemeke repeatedly emphasized grassroots-focused representation, fairness and regular engagement with constituents.

At the Okitipupa Local Government Secretariat, he assured party stakeholders that he would not become an “Abuja senator,” promising to maintain constant interaction with constituents through regular meetings and a functional constituency office.

“I will not be an Abuja senator. Representation must be seen, heard and felt on the ground,” he said.

He also promised fairness and equity in the allocation of projects and opportunities across the six local government areas of Ondo South.

In Irele, Kekemeke pledged to serve as a strong voice for the district at the federal level while advocating sustainable empowerment programmes for youths.

“I will not be the senator that distributes motorcycles or grinding machines and calls it empowerment. My goal is to make our youths productive—skilled, employed and able to give back to the district,” he stated.

At Igbekebo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, the APC stalwart described his visit as a homecoming and appealed to party members to support both his senatorial aspiration and the House of Representatives ambition of Pastor Leke Akingboye.

He promised regular stakeholders’ meetings across the district and assured party loyalists that loyalty and commitment would be rewarded through appointments and inclusion.

The consultation train also moved to Ilaje Local Government Area, where Kekemeke urged stakeholders to remain united and work together for the development of Ondo South.

He reiterated his commitment to collaboration with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in attracting federal projects and economic opportunities to the district.

With endorsements continuing to pour in from stakeholders, community groups and political leaders, the race for the Ondo South APC senatorial ticket is expected to intensify in the coming days.