The National Vice Chairman (South West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Isaacs Kekemeke, has declared his intention to contest the Ondo South Senatorial seat, pledging to deliver responsible and people-driven representation if elected to represent the district.

The declaration, according to Kekemeke, comes after months of intense pressure from party faithful, constituents and youth groups across the district who had urged him to step forward and serve.

The APC chieftain, who described the support for his candidacy as overwhelming, stated that it is a “historic and unusual call”; hence, he could no longer ignore it after months of reflection and consultation with political associates, family members and critical stakeholders.

He added that those who had encouraged him to run expressed confidence in his competence, integrity and capacity to deliver effective representation and said, “The more I tried to ignore the calls, the louder they became.”

Kekemeke reeled out his extensive political résumé, which includes serving as minority leader in the old Ondo State House of Assembly; secretary to the state government; attorney general and commissioner for justice; and 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.

Following consultations with the state governor and party leadership, Kekemeke said 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.

“This then is my declaration: 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,” he said.

Kekemeke called on constituents to support his bid, assuring them of visible and impactful representation in Abuja, saying, “I am adopting ‘The People First’ as my guiding principle. I am ready to serve again, if our people will send me.”