Ondo: Why I want to be Senator — APC chieftain, Fakuyi

Following the nomination of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for an ambassadorial appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the race to fill the senatorial seat has begun in the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State.

This comes as All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and legislative consultant Ogbeni Kayode Fakuyi formally declared his intention to contest the vacant Ondo South senatorial seat.

Fakuyi’s decision to run, contained in a statement he released and signed on Monday, comes after wide consultations regarding his ambition.

He explained that his aspiration is rooted in service, experience, and the need for effective representation.

Speaking on his vision for the district, Fakuyi said his primary goal is to provide Ondo South with strong and informed legislative leadership. He added that he has already begun consultations with President Tinubu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, party leaders, stakeholders, and constituents to offer himself for service at the National Assembly.

He said, “My dear people of Ondo South, following the choice of the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District to vacate his seat for an ambassadorial appointment, I have taken the unlighthearted decision to commence consultations.

“With my history of loyalty to the party, priceless contributions to its success, and fecund legislative experience, both in academics and practice , I am the most suitable person to represent Ondo South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate at this time.”

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According to Fakuyi, years of working closely with lawmakers and national institutions have shown him the transformative power of quality legislation. He noted that only a representative with deep legislative understanding can contribute meaningfully, draft impactful bills, and speak with conviction on national issues.

Fakuyi also highlighted the urgent development needs of the district as a key factor behind his ambition. He pointed to longstanding challenges such as infrastructure deficits, energy insecurity, unemployment, and coastal erosion, stressing that Ondo South has suffered neglect for too long.

Recalling his active role in advocating for the restoration of power to the district during the prolonged blackout, he said his experiences exposed him to the daily struggles of the people.

He added, “If elected, I pledge to attract federal projects, stimulate economic growth, and ensure that the zone receives the attention it deserves in national development plans. My aspiration is not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to strengthen the APC and improve governance outcomes for the people.”

The APC chieftain further explained that his bid for the Senate is tied to his commitment to deepening the party’s gains in Ondo State. Fakuyi said he hopes to use the Senate platform to consolidate the party’s progress and deliver greater dividends of democracy to constituents.

He affirmed that his pursuit of the senatorial seat is guided by integrity, loyalty, and a genuine passion for the development of Ondo South. He expressed confidence that his legislative expertise and long years of service to the party and the district place him in a strong position to provide the kind of representation that will bring pride to the people and accelerate meaningful development across the zone.

Fakuyi thanked party members and constituents for their attention and promised robust engagement in the days ahead as the process unfolds.

A legislative expert, political strategist, and long-standing loyalist of the APC, Fakuyi’s growing influence in Ondo politics is rooted in years of behind-the-scenes work, policy expertise, and grassroots mobilization.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE