The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Professionals in Politics has applauded the emergence of former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Jumoke Akindele, as the consensus candidate for the forthcoming Ondo South Senatorial District by-election.
The group, in a press statement by Dr Felicia Olanigbehin, described the development as a “historic and progressive decision” capable of deepening women’s inclusion in governance while also guaranteeing quality representation for the people of Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
The senatorial seat became vacant following the appointment of the former Senator representing the district by President Bola Tinubu as an Ambassador, thereby necessitating the conduct of a by-election to fill the position for the remainder of the current legislative tenure.
According to the women political professionals, the choice of Hon. Akindele by the APC has continued to attract widespread commendation from party stakeholders, women groups, youth organisations and political observers within and outside Ondo State, owing to her track record of leadership, loyalty, competence and political maturity.
The statement noted that Akindele remains a rallying point for progressive politics and credible representation, stressing that her emergence would further consolidate the gains already recorded by the APC administration in the state.
The group also commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for what it described as his deep commitment to gender inclusion and women’s participation in governance.
According to the statement, the governor has consistently demonstrated through appointments and political decisions that women remain critical stakeholders in the development and democratic advancement of Ondo State.
“The emergence of Hon. Jumoke Akindele as the consensus candidate of our great party is not only a victory for women in politics, but also a strong statement that competence, loyalty, experience and service delivery still matter in leadership recruitment,” the group stated.
The association further observed that the decision of the APC leadership to support Akindele reflects the party’s confidence in her capacity to effectively represent the interests of the people of Ondo South at the Nigerian Senate.
Describing her as a seasoned legislator and experienced administrator, the group highlighted Akindele’s remarkable political journey and contributions to governance in Ondo State over the years.
Hon. Akindele previously served as a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly before rising to become the first female Speaker of the Assembly, a position in which she reportedly displayed courage, administrative discipline and legislative excellence.
The women professionals stated that her experience in lawmaking and governance places her in a strong position to effectively navigate the complex responsibilities of the Senate and attract meaningful development projects to the Ondo South Senatorial District.
They expressed optimism that her representation would help facilitate improved federal presence in the district through infrastructural development, youth empowerment initiatives, educational opportunities and economic advancement programmes.
The group added that Akindele’s political experience and grassroots connection would further strengthen the voice of Ondo South in national discourse, while also projecting Ondo State positively at the federal level.
Stakeholders within the APC were also urged to unite behind the candidacy of the former Speaker to ensure victory for the party at the by-election.
The statement maintained that beyond partisan considerations, Akindele possesses the temperament, exposure and legislative understanding required to serve as a worthy ambassador of Ondo State in the Nigerian Senate.
They further describe her emergence as a significant milestone for women’s participation in Nigerian politics, especially at a time when advocacy for greater female representation in elective offices remains a major national conversation.
The APC Women Professionals in Politics, therefore, called on the electorate in Ondo South Senatorial District to support the candidacy of Hon. Jumoke Akindele, expressing confidence that she would deliver effective representation and sustain the progressive ideals associated with the APC in Ondo State.
