Why I’m contesting to represent Ondo South in Senate — Kekemeke

Isaacs Kekemeke, the National Vice Chairman (South West) of All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that he is running to represent Ondo South Senatorial District in the forthcoming general elections in order to provide fair, fearless and quality representation.

According to him, his legislative agenda would prioritise the needs and aspirations of the people of the district and the state at large if elected.

Kekemeke, who formally declared his interest in contesting the Ondo South Senatorial seat on Tuesday in Akure, disclosed that his decision was a response to sustained pressure and calls from his party leaders, women and youth groups across the district who had been calling on him to serve them in the capacity.

He said that the recent groundswell of support for his candidacy had been overwhelming, saying it’s a “historic and unusual call” which he could not turn down after months of reflection and consultation with his political associates, family members and key stakeholders.

Kekemeke revealed that those who were calling him to contest had expressed confidence in his competence, integrity and capacity to deliver effective representation.

The incumbent National Vice Chairman(South-West) of APC disclosed that “the more I tried to ignore the calls, the louder they became.”

Reeling out his political resume, Kekemeke said he had served as Minority Leader in the old Ondo State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as Commissioner for Works, Lands and Housing.

Besides, he served as the APC Pioneer State Chairman when he built the party’s structure.

Kekemeke disclosed that his aspiration is based on “building a broad-based coalition that reflects the diverse interests of Ondo South and ensures that governance at the federal level becomes more responsive to the needs of the people.”

Disclosing that he had consulted Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the party leadership, Kekemeke said he’s seeking the APC ticket for the senatorial election in 2027.

Kekemeke said: “This then is my declaration: After due consultation with the Governor of the state, who is the leader of the party and other leaders, I have decided to take up the gauntlet.

“I shall seek the ticket of our great party for the senatorial election, and I shall, when I win, give to the senatorial district fair, fearless, quality and needs- driven representation.

“I shall be a voice for Ondo South, Ondo State, her government and her people, and I shall do so with humility and a high sense of duty and responsibility. My watchword shall be: the people first.

“I am ready to serve again, if our people will send me. I urge the good people of Ondo South to hold firmly to the confession of our hope for visible and tangible representation in Abuja without wavering.

“I shall be a strong voice for Ondo South, Ondo State, its government and its people, and I will do so with humility and a high sense of duty and responsibility.”

Kekemeke, therefore, calls for the support of the people, saying “The People First” as my guiding principle. I am ready to serve again, if our people will send me.”