—-Vows bold representation, targets youth jobs, coastal erosion

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, has declared her intention to contest the Ondo South Senatorial District seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with journalists in Akure, Akindele said her decision was driven by a sense of responsibility and commitment to the district’s development.

Akindele cited persistent challenges in Ondo South, including economic hardship, youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and recurring sea incursion in coastal communities such as Ayetoro.

These issues, she said, require urgent solutions and stronger representation at the national level.

According to her “Ondo South deserves a bold, experienced and people-centered voice in Abuja that will truly reflect the aspirations of the people and deliver meaningful representation.

She explained that her ambition followed wide consultations and careful reflection.

Akindele highlighted her public service experience and commitment to inclusive governance as key strengths.

On party processes, Akindele affirmed respect for consensus-building and party supremacy.

She insisted that any consensus must be transparent, fair, and inclusive, with all aspirants carried along to maintain unity.

“Consensus should not exclude or silence any stakeholder. It should reflect broad consultations and genuine agreement among all interested parties,” she said.

She pledged to abide by the outcome of consultations within the APC structure, stressing that the party remains supreme in all political considerations.

Akindele defined effective representation as more than “sharing gifts or making empty promises.

” It means speaking boldly for the people, sponsoring impactful laws, and ensuring approved projects are fully implemented.

She listed the Ondo–Ore and Ore–Okitipupa road corridors as critical infrastructure that must receive federal attention to boost development and connectivity.

On zoning, she noted that while the Constitution does not formally recognise it, equity and balance should guide leadership choices in Ondo South to avoid political imbalance.

Akindele also called for greater female participation in politics, pointing out that Ondo has never produced a female senator.

Citing Rwanda and South Africa as examples, she urged APC leaders to support inclusive candidacies to strengthen governance.

“My priority will be women empowerment, child welfare, economic development, and addressing the persistent ocean incursion in Ayetoro, because these are issues that directly affect the wellbeing of our people,” she added.