2027: Kekemeke joins race for Ondo South senatorial seat

...sets stage for showdown with Ex-deputy Gov, Ajayi, Akinfolarin, Oyerinmade others

Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, the National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally declared his intention to contest the Ondo South Senatorial seat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr. Kekemeke, who declared his interest in the race, would contest the party’s ticket alongside heavyweights such as Hon. Agboola Ajayi, former Deputy Governor, Barrister Morayo Lebi, former APC senatorial aspirant, Akinfolarin Mayowa, ex-House of Representatives member, and Mathew Oye Oyerinmade (MATO).

Others include: Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele; Boye Oyewumi, a former governorship aspirant; Diran Iyanta; and Kayode Fakuyi.

In a statement announcing his official declaration, Mr. Kekemeke pledged to serve with humility and responsibility, and people-focused representation if elected as the Senator for Ondo South.

He said his decision followed sustained pressure and appeals from party leaders, women, and youth groups across the district that had mobilized support for his candidacy without his prior consent.

"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," he said.

The APC stalwart recalled that in 2002, he had an opportunity to represent Ondo Southern District in the National Assembly but stepped aside in the interest of party unity, allowing the late Senator Hosea Ehinlanwo to emerge as the candidate instead of proceeding to a run-off election as required by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time.

According to him, the renewed calls for him to contest have grown stronger in the past four months, prompting a period of deep reflection and consultations with political leaders, family members, and close associates.

“The more I tried to ignore the calls, the louder they became,” he said, adding that he was encouraged to heed what he described as a “historic and unusual” demand to serve.

Kekemeke expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, stating that the support had reinforced his belief in building a broad-based coalition to deliver responsive governance to the people of Ondo South and the state at large.

Read Also: Southwest activists endorse Kekemeke

He highlighted his political experience, including serving 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.

Kekemeke also noted his role in strengthening the APC in the state as Chairman and his current position as Zonal Chairman/National Vice Chairman (Southwest).

The APC stalwart said he consulted with the state governor and other party leaders before deciding to join the race, expressing readiness to seek the party’s ticket.

He promised that if elected, he would provide “fair, fearless, and needs-driven representation,” prioritizing the people's interests.

Kekemeke, however, urged residents of Ondo South to remain steadfast in their desire for effective, impactful representation in the National Assembly.

"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," he added.