A coalition made up of community leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations, and traditional rulers in the Ondo South Senatorial District has urged Isaacs Kekemeke, the Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South West, to run for the district’s senatorial seat.

The endorsement was disclosed on Wednesday after the group’s quarterly meeting in Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area.

Speaking after the meeting, the group coordinator, Raphael Ebiwonjumi, stated that the decision to rally behind Kekemeke as a candidate was hinged on his capability to address longstanding development challenges in the district.

Ebiwonjumi stated that Kekemeke leadership experience and track record make him the ideal candidate to complement the ongoing initiatives of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the state.

The coordinator emphasised the need for leaders who have shown competence in public office to seek strategic positions, enabling collaboration with current administrations to advance state development.

He noted that the National Assembly is in urgent need of brilliant, experienced, and politically mature individuals who can effectively represent the people and contribute to national development

The coalition harped on Kekemeke’s unique combination of political acumen, private sector experience, and extensive networks, saying this would strengthen legislative oversight and ensure the passage of impactful laws.

The group further suggested that Kekemeke’s entry into the Senate would reinforce ongoing efforts in Ondo State to modernise governance, improve infrastructural development, and accelerate economic empowerment programmes.

He said: “We need quality leaders who have proved their mettle in their previous public assignments to aspire for strategic public offices, where they could collaborate with Governor Aiyedatiwa to move the state to greater heights.

“Ondo South has suffered from inadequate representation for too long. We need a senator who listens, acts, and delivers tangible results for all communities. Isaacs Kekemeke has proven through his leadership and community work that he is the right person to represent us at the National Assembly.

Kekemeke was outstanding during his time as Commissioner for Works; Chairman of NECO; the state chairman of Ondo APC; and in his present position as APC Vice Chairman in the South West. He possesses laudable vision and the inherent leadership capacity to translate ideas to reality.

“This is the time we need to consolidate on the framework of the laudable vision of Kekemeke and create synergy with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of digital development, which has become a key driver of innovation and economic growth in our state.”