Politics
Ondo by-election: Aspirants scramble for Jimoh Ibrahim’s seat
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to officially announce a by-election for the Ondo South Senatorial seat at the National Assembly, political gladiators and parties are not leaving anything to chance, as they have started positioning themselves to fill the vacancy that would be created when Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who has been nominated for an ambassadorial appointment, eventually leaves. Correspondent Tosin Tope reports that a fierce political contest has begun as aspirants and political parties intensify their moves to fill the vacant seat.
The vacancy that would be created when Senator Jimoh Ibrahim vacates the Ondo South Senatorial District seat following his nomination for an ambassadorial appointment has ignited quiet but intense manoeuvring among political gladiators, party leaders and interest groups. They are all keen to secure an early advantage ahead of the expected bye-election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when the seat is officially declared vacant.
From informal consultations to strategic alignments, the race, though unofficial, has effectively begun, especially across the six local government areas that make up the Ondo South Senatorial District, as political meetings are being convened under various guises.
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of the Senator Ibrahim as a “non-career ambassador,” his name on the list for the diplomatic job has already triggered a fresh scramble among power blocs within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition parties in the southern senatorial district of the state thereby opening a prized political window for the bye-election to fill the seat.
Senator Ibrahim, who hails from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, was a first-timer and was part of the 64 ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Tinubu and confirmed by the Senate arm of the National Assembly on December 18, 2025.
His confirmation by his colleagues in the National Assembly followed his being asked to “take a bow” when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by former Niger State Governor, Senator Sani Bello.
In line with Section 68(1)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ibrahim has been required to vacate his seat in the National Assembly, a development that has triggered intense political positioning in Ondo South ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing his colleagues before his exit during the plenary under order 42 (personal explanation), the federal lawmaker lauded the leadership of the 10th Senate, describing the chamber as liberal, inclusive and focused on national development.
“I must sincerely appreciate the effort of this chamber and, more importantly, the leadership of the 10th Senate under your very able leadership,” he said.
Ibrahim, elected on the APC platform and sworn in as a Senator in June 2023, said the Senate’s practice over the last two and a half years reflected liberal democratic principles consistent with Nigeria’s political system.
“This Senate has been one in history that has distilled serious concern for national interest and national development,” he said.
With Senator Ibrahim’s departure, the resulting by-election has now created a rare mid-term opportunity for political actors seeking relevance, visibility, and bargaining power ahead of the next general elections.
APC under pressure:
Several political analysts have predicted that the by-election once announced by INEC could become a major test of political strength within the fold of the ruling APC in Ondo State for the 2027 general election, most especially as the political machinery in Ondo South Senatorial District is roaring to life, setting the stage for an election that may define the state’s political rhythm ahead of 2027.
The district has always been one of the state’s most contested zones in history, due to its significant voter population and an oil-rich coastline whose development needs often become key political bargaining chips.
Several aspirants – both former office holders and new entrants – have begun mobilising consultations across the district’s local government areas, signalling an intense battle for party control in the coming weeks to succeed Senator Ibrahim.
Sources within the APC revealed that some leaders from Ondo South are already insisting that Senator Ibrahim’s replacement must come from within the existing party structure, while others argued that the contest should be thrown open to allow for broader participation in their desperation not to be caught unprepared when the electoral umpire eventually blows the whistle.
Within the party, the anticipated by-election has reopened old fault lines and sparked fresh ambitions. While some party leaders are pushing for continuity and internal cohesion, others see the contest as an opportunity to recalibrate influence within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development has also rekindled intra-party rivalries within the APC, particularly between the camps loyal to Senator Ibrahim, those aligned with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, federal-level stakeholders and moneybags politicians, seeking to assert influence and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to have a share of political positions ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to insiders, the supporters of Governor Aiyedatiwa are already seeing the upcoming by-election as an opportunity to consolidate his influence within the district as he positions himself ahead of the 2027 cycle, mostly in rallying support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Also, the Abuja power blocs are already tightening their belts with federal-level politicians, including a top minister from the state, political appointees, and APC national powerbrokers eyeing the contest to hold the zone firm for their loyalists.
Some of the aspirants jostling for the seat have begun engaging party leaders, traditional rulers, and influential stakeholders, seeking endorsements and testing the waters, even as many of the interactions are being carried out discreetly, the undercurrent of competition is unmistakable.
Major political parties, particularly the ruling APC and the PDP, are believed to be reviewing their internal strategies. Party chieftains are also weighing zoning considerations, electoral strength, and the prevailing mood of the electorate as they map out pathways to securing the seat whenever the bye-election is declared by INEC.
Amid the early manoeuvrings, the unfolding contest is being shaped by the unique political configuration of the Ondo South Senatorial District, which comprises Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele, Odigbo, and Okitipupa local government areas. Historically, the district’s politics has been driven by a delicate balance of zoning considerations, ethnic sensitivities, and party loyalty; factors that are once again returning to the front burner.
Aspirants eyeing the seat:
Also, the various aspirants coming out to contest the seat are said to be weighing how the zoning sentiments – particularly between the various zones ( Ikale, Ilaje, Apoi, Odigbo and Ile/Oluji) – may influence the party’s ticket, even as consultations with traditional rulers, party elders and influential opinion leaders intensify.
The aspirants include former political heavyweights and officeholders, former federal and state lawmakers angling for a return, technocrats seeking political entry, and grassroots mobilisers who are already putting their heads together and positioning themselves for a potential contest.
They include, but are not limited to, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Morayo Lebi, a former APC senatorial aspirant; Mayowa Akinfolarin, ex-House of Representatives member; and Mathew Oye Oyerinmade (MATO) and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu.
Others are: Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele; former Chief Press Secretary to the erstwhile Ondo governor, Eniola Akinsola; Boye Oyewumi; Diran Iyantan; and Otunba Kayode Fakuyi, among several others.
Nicholas Tofowomo:
Senator Tofowomo represented Ondo South Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly from 2019 to 2023. In a supplementary election, he was elected to represent Ondo South after defeating the then incumbent Senator Yele Omogunwa. He previously served as the commissioner for transport during the former administration of ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
Morayo Lebi:
Lebi, a legal practitioner, is a distinguished figure in the Ondo APC who has established himself as a visionary leader with a career spanning over three decades, having introduced the party to the southern part of the state. He contested various offices, including the Ondo South Senatorial seat in 2015, though he lost. He also contested the 2024 governorship election.
Lebi’s commitment to the party’s ideals is evident in his philanthropic efforts, including an N5 million contribution to support the rebuilding of the APC’s state secretariat, which was destroyed during the ENDSARS protest.
Mayowa Akinfolarin:
Akinfolarin is a former legislator and member of the Ondo State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011, during which he rose to the position of deputy speaker, and was also a member of the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023. He won seats in the House of Representatives to represent the interests of the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Constituency.
Akinfolarin further re-contested the seat and again won under the APC in 2019, becoming the only APC candidate to win the National Assembly election in Ondo South Senatorial District. Among several positions, he served as the chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of the 9th National Assembly.
Mathew Oyerinmade:
Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, is also a chieftain of the APC and a renowned businessman. He contested the race for the Ondo South Senatorial Seat in 2023.
Born in Oke-Igbo, an ancient town in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area, on May 27, 1967, Oyerinmade is also known as a quiet philanthropist who has consistently contributed to poverty alleviation, empowerment, and community development in different parts of the state.
Oladunni Odu:
Princess Odu is an astute politician. She was born on December 29, 1952, in Okitipupa Local Government Area. She was appointed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. She was a Commissioner for Education in Ondo State (1995-1999), a former Commissioner for Women Affairs (January 1999 to May 1999), and the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) from September 2003 to February 2009.
In 2013, Odu was appointed Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, a position she held till 2015. She was also appointed as the Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Akure, in 2015. She was again appointed as the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board by the late Akeredolu in October 2017.
Jumoke Akindele:
Akindele was the first female speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly. She is also a lawyer. She was born in Okitipupa Local Government Area. In April 2007, Akindele contested the Okitipupa Constituency II seat in the Ondo State House of Assembly, but lost to the opposition party. She re-contested on April 11, 2011 and was eventually elected. During her tenure in the House, she served as Chairman of the House Committee on Education.
On May 27, 2015, she was elected Speaker of the Assembly following the sudden demise of the former Speaker, Samuel Adesina. She relinquished the leadership position of the House in a resignation letter dated March 20, 2018.
Eniola Akinsola:
Akinsola was the former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the former Governor Olusegun Mimiko. He’s a journalist, writer, columnist-turned politician who hails from Ondo. He’s also progressive and once contested the Senate seat for the Ondo South Senatorial District.
Boye Oyewumi:
Oyewumi is a businessman and seasoned politician. He is a former governorship aspirant under the platform of the ruling APC. He is from Oke-Igbo in Ile-Oluji. Oyewumi carries with him a legacy of discipline, public service, and community loyalty. He is also jostling for the race to succeed Jimoh Ibrahim.
Oyewumi’s political consciousness was awakened early. As a young activist in the 1990s, he joined the historic Hope ’93 presidential campaign of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, standing firmly on the side of democratic values. He later aligned with the NADECO movement, lending his voice to Nigeria’s struggle to restore democracy.
Diran Iyantan:
Iyantan is a former Federal Commissioner for the National Population Commission (NPC), representing Ondo State and a former governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16th, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State. He also served as a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Ondo State.
The Ikale-born APC chieftain has been involved in progressive politics in the state since the inception of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which later evolved into the APC. He’s also eyeing the Senate seat.
Kayode Fakuyi:
Fakuyi, who hails from Ilutitun Ward 2 in Okitipupa Local Government Area, is also a big player in the ruling APC. He was the coordinator for Buhari Vanguard in Ondo State in 2014/2015. He also coordinated a group of young professionals for the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in the 2023 general election.
He was a leading voice for the restoration of power supply to Ondo South Senatorial District when the distribution company disconnected the entire zone from the national grid. Mr Fakuyi holds a Master’s degree in Legislative Studies from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja. He is a legislative consultant to many federal lawmakers and legislative institutions with a primary focus on public policy, public procurement, and constitutional matters.
Zoning and pressure groups:
Reacting to the political permutations, the Ikale United Front (IUF), following extensive consultations and rigorous deliberations at its annual general meeting, has resolved to support an ‘Ikale aspirant’ to contest the senatorial seat.
The group, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jelili Geoffrey Oladapo, disclosed that the IUF is ready to back any “consensus candidate” from the Ikale axis for the Ondo South Senatorial District.
The adoption, Mr Oladapo said, aimed to strengthen the organisation, advance its objectives, and promote the overall socio‑economic and cultural development of Ikale land.
“The group resolves to deliberately and vigorously strengthen its internal structures at all levels – national, local government, and grassroots – in order to effectively pursue its vision, mission, and stated objectives.
“The Ikale United Front resolves to support and stand solidly behind its active and credible members who aspire to contest for elective political offices, provided such support is achieved through consensus and aligns with the collective interest of the Ikale people,” it said.
Despite the call for consensus, political groups within the party have also stated that, for the sake of equity and fairness, the vacant seat for the Ondo South Senatorial District should be zoned to the Odigbo Local Council Area.
They argued that Odigbo remains the only of the six councils within the district without federal representation, dismissing the agitation to keep the seat in Okitipupa Local Council, where Senator Jimoh Ibrahim hailed from.
The group, Integrity Forum, which is rooting for one of the aspirants, Mayowa Akinfolarin, emphasised that the zoning arrangement for the southern senatorial seat rightly points to the Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Federal Constituency due to its political strength.
According to the group’s General Secretary, Abiodun Adeniji, the nomination of Senator Ibrahim for the diplomatic post inherently opens the seat to new zoning considerations and arrangements.
“So, we want the zoning, if at all it’s going to take place and to come to Odigbo LGA. We are part of the South. The Ikale, Ijaw, Apoi, or Ilaje are not the only ones in the Southern Senatorial District.
“That’s why we too are demanding that we should be favoured. Any plan of Okitipupa Local Government to now want to take over again after Jimoh’s elevation is not applicable and not allowed,” Adeniji said.
Opposition smells opportunity:
In the midst of the political bickering, the opposition parties, particularly the crisis-ridden PDP, are reportedly weighing the option as they hope to capitalise on any cracks within the ruling APC for the vacant Senate seat.
The PDP, which once dominated Ondo South, is now smelling opportunity and quietly mobilising to reclaim lost ground in a district it once dominated, as the timing presents an opening.
The party is yet to regain its old statewide strength, but political pundits insist that a fractured APC could give the opposition a fighting chance – especially in Odigbo and Okitipupa, where it still retains a few pockets of influence.
Party sources told The Nation that the expected by-election is being treated as a strategic opening to test the APC’s grassroots strength and exploit internal divisions. Several PDP hopefuls are believed to be leveraging longstanding political networks and community ties, arguing that voter fatigue and local grievances could tilt the balance in their favour if properly harnessed.
Other opposition parties, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and the African Action Congress (AAC), are not left out of the calculations. Though unlikely to dominate the race, they are positioning to influence outcomes through alliances or by serving as alternative platforms for aggrieved aspirants shut out of the race.
At the grassroots level, the contest is already stirring renewed political engagement. Community leaders, youth groups, and market associations are being courted, not only with promises of representation but with assurances of development-focused legislation and effective presence in Abuja.
Political pundits in the state note that local concerns such as infrastructure deficits, coastal erosion in riverine communities, unemployment, and lack of electricity and security are likely to feature prominently once campaigns formally commence in a short while.
They explained that the early mobilisation reflects lessons learnt from past electoral contests, where delayed preparation proved costly for some contenders, even though the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the bye-election has become a motivation rather than a deterrent.
As the political temperature gradually rises, the residents of Ondo South are watching with keen interest, as many believe the impending contest offers an opportunity to reassess representation at the federal level and demand greater accountability from their senatorial representative.
For now, all eyes remain on INEC, as the electoral body’s silence has done little to slow the pace of political calculations. In the shadows of anticipation, the groundwork for what promises to be a keenly contested race is already well underway.
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