The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest geo-political zone, Hon. Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke, has formally declared his interest to contest the Ondo South Senatorial seat.
Kekemeke, who is the Chairman of Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) promised to deliver humble, responsible, and people-driven representation if elected.
Announcing his decision on Tuesday, Kekemeke said he was responding to sustained pressure and calls from party leaders, women, and youth groups across the district, who had urged him to step forward and serve.
Kekemeke said the recent groundswell of support for his candidacy had been overwhelming, describing it as a “historic and unusual call” that he could no longer ignore after months of reflection and consultation with political associates, family members, and key stakeholders.
He said those who had encouraged him to run expressed confidence in his competence, integrity, and capacity to deliver effective representation, saying the more hr tried to ignore the calls, the louder they became.
Kekemeke highlighted his extensive political résumé, which included serving as Minority Leader in the old Ondo State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as Commissioner for Works, Lands and Housing.
He also served as APC State Chairman, where he played a key role in building the party’s structure, and currently holds the position of Zonal Chairman/National Vice-Chairman (Southwest).
According to him, his aspiration is anchored on building a broad-based coalition that reflects the diverse interests of Ondo South and ensures that governance at the federal level becomes more responsive to the needs of the people.
Kekemeke said following his consultations with the state governor and party leadership, he had resolved to seek the APC ticket for the senatorial election.
He promised that if elected, he would provide “fair, fearless and quality representation,” stressing that his legislative agenda would prioritise the needs and aspirations of the people of Ondo South and the state at large.
His words: ” After due consultation with the Governor of the state who is the leader of the party and other leaders, I have decided to take up the gauntlet. I shall seek the ticket of our great party for the senatorial election and I shall, when I win, give to the senatorial district fair, fearless, quality, and needs- driven representation.
“I shall be a voice for Ondo South, Ondo State, her government and her people and I shall do so with humility and a high sense of duty and responsibility. My watchword shall be: the people first.
“I am ready to serve again, if our people will send me. I urge the good people of Ondo South to hold firmly to the confession of our hope for visible and tangible representation in Abuja without wavering. I shall be a strong voice for Ondo South, Ondo State, its government and its people, and I will do so with humility and a high sense of duty and responsibility.”
Kekemeke called on constituents to support his bid, assuring them of visible and impactful representation in Abuja, saying, “adopting “The People First” as my guiding principle. I am ready to serve again, if our people will send me.”
