2027: Ex-Ondo Speaker joins senatorial race

A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, has declared her intention to contest the Ondo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the All Progressives Congress to create more opportunities for women in politics.

Akindele, the first female Speaker of the state Assembly, made her ambition known while speaking with journalists in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday.

She said she had already consulted Governor Aiyedatiwa and other stakeholders across the senatorial district, noting that her aspiration had not met opposition.

“I stand before you today with a deep sense of responsibility, clarity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to our collective future. After wide consultations and careful reflection, I, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Yetunde Akindele, I am fully prepared and ready to contest for the Ondo South Senatorial District,” she said.

“This decision is not driven by personal ambition alone, but by a sincere desire to serve, to represent, and to bring purposeful leadership that reflects the true aspirations of our people.”

Akindele highlighted key challenges facing the district, including economic concerns, youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and the Ayetoro community ocean incursion, stressing the need for effective representation at the national level.

“These are not just talking points; they are realities that demand urgent and effective action,” she added.

She also pointed to her experience in public service as a strength.

“I bring to this race my experience as a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, my proven record of leadership, and my dedication to inclusive governance. I have served, I have listened, and I have learned. Now, I am ready to do even more.”

Calling for support, she said, “Ondo South deserves a voice that is bold, experienced, and people-centred. Together, we can build a future where every community matters, where opportunities are expanded, and where our district takes its rightful place in national development.”

The former Speaker further urged political stakeholders to support greater female representation, noting that no woman has represented the state in the Senate since its creation.

“Women are so readily confined to domestic positions. We are the ones who are expected to be traders, we are the ones who are expected to be housewives, we are the ones who are expected to be secretaries and all things like that, but we have come beyond that,” she said.

“I want to encourage Mr Governor to consider and note that the greatest empowerment he can give a woman at this material time is to give us a chance to breathe, a chance to represent our people, and we would do well.”

“Women have been known to do well, regardless of what anybody may say. We have been known to perform and to perform creditably well in whatever positions we are placed in,” Akindele added.