Ambassador-designate and Senator representing Ondo South, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, has commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for what he described as a strategic diplomatic intervention that has helped reshape global perceptions of Nigeria, particularly in the United States.
Ibrahim, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, said the First Lady’s engagement at high-level international religious platforms, including a prayer breakfast attended by the United States President Donald Trump, had helped correct the narrative portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as religious genocide.
According to him, the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is married to a pastor clearly dispels allegations of religious bias or state-sponsored persecution.
“If the President can have a pastor as his wife, then it is evident that he has no hand in religious genocide, which Nigeria is not known for,” the senator stated.
He noted that the First Lady’s presence at such influential forums had helped redirect international opinion to view Nigeria’s security challenges as a national issue rather than a religious agenda, adding that this would encourage fair and merit-based international support for the Tinubu administration.
Ibrahim emphasised that diplomacy goes beyond formal meetings, describing the First Lady’s engagement as an action driven by influence rather than rhetoric.
“For her to gain access to that level of engagement is a demonstration of influence rooted in religious diplomacy, which lies at the centre of the global misunderstanding about Nigeria,” he said.
The senator added that international relations are interest-driven and that perceptions of Nigeria, particularly by some national and international political interests, had been shaped by religious sentiment.
He said the First Lady’s intervention sent a clear message that while Nigeria faces security challenges, the President has no role in any religious persecution.
Describing her as a stabilising diplomatic force, Ibrahim said her action had achieved in one moment what would ordinarily require years of diplomatic engagement.
“This is a case of action speaking louder than words. History will be kind to her,” he added.
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.
Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, resilience and sustained contributions to national security.
The commendation followed Nigeria’s ranking as the 31st strongest military in the world in the 2025 Global Firepower Report.
In a statement yesterday, Ibrahim, who is also Nigeria’s ambassador-designate and founder of the Institute for Security and Modern War Studies at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, said the Armed Forces had continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment despite evolving security challenges.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have remained steadfast in their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding over 250 million Nigerians, even as security threats grow more dynamic and sophisticated,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that with an estimated personnel strength of about 230,000 and an annual defence budget of roughly $2 billion, representing about one per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, the military had recorded notable progress in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
He said, “The successes recorded in counter-terrorism and internal security efforts are critical to preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, internal cohesion and territorial integrity.”
Ibrahim also highlighted Nigeria’s role beyond its borders, pointing to peacekeeping and stabilisation missions under the Economic Community of West African States in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as operations in Sudan, Mali, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.
“These interventions have consistently reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a stabilising force and a responsible security leader on the African continent,” he added.
He further cited the 2025 Global Firepower Report, which ranked Nigeria 31st globally and third in Africa, describing the ranking as evidence of the Armed Forces’ increasing strategic relevance.
Ibrahim attributed recent improvements in operational capacity and morale to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in troop welfare and institutional support.
“As Nigeria approaches 2026, Nigerians must continue to stand firmly with the Armed Forces, whose sacrifices remain central to our peace, unity and stability, not only within our borders but across the African region,” he said.
No nation in the world enjoys absolute sovereignty, Ambassador-designate, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has said, citing examples of international cooperation in times of crisis.
He made the remark at the weekend in a statement where he referenced the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Senator Ibrahim, who holds a doctorate in Modern War Studies, noted that America relied on military and strategic assistance from several allied nations to combat the insecurity caused by the attacks.
According to him, “countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia and New Zealand contributed troops, aircraft, naval assets and other military support under Operation Enduring Freedom to help the United States combat terrorism.”
While urging Nigerians to allow President Bola Tinubu to pursue collaborative and cooperative strategies to tackle insecurity, Dr Ibrahim described such cooperation as a liberal democratic way of setting new order for peace in a geocentric system, emphasizing that it does not amount to a compromise of national sovereignty.
He further argued that the concept of absolute sovereignty was unrealistic, adding that if absolute sovereignty were possible, then countries like the United States would be able to completely control emails or even prevent COVID-19 from entering their borders.
The Senate on Wednesday screened Senator Jimoh Ibrahim following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a non-career ambassador.
Senator Ibrahim, who currently represents Ondo South Senatorial District, appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs as part of the ongoing confirmation process for ambassadorial nominees.
The Nation reports that he is among the 68 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees announced last week by the President and forwarded to the National Assembly for screening.
His session before the committee, chaired by former Niger State Governor Senator Sani Bello, marked the start of his legislative vetting.
The atmosphere in the inner chamber was lively as the businessman-turned-lawmaker presented his Curriculum Vitae and gave a brief profile of his career.
In keeping with the Senate’s long-standing tradition for serving and former lawmakers, Senator Ibrahim was asked to “take a bow,” prompting applause from his colleagues.
President Tinubu’s ambassadorial list, which includes both career officers and non-career nominees such as Senator Ibrahim, is part of efforts by the presidency to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad.
Senator Ibrahim will be required to vacate his seat in the National Assembly in line with in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Section 68(1)(d), a development that has trigger intense political positioning in Ondo South ahead of the 2027 elections.
Though, there are no major contenders who have publicly declared for the seat, but consultations and political permutations have begun with some of the aspirants making underground moves.
The aspirants include former political heavyweights and office holders, former federal and state lawmakers angling for a return, technocrats seeking political entry, and grassroots mobilisers putting in heads and already positioning themselves for a potential contest.
They include but no limited to Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Barrister Morayo Lebi, former APC senatorial aspirant; Akinfolarin Mayowa, 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.
The political temperature in Ondo South Senatorial District is rising following the nomination of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as a non-career ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In this report, Correspondent, Tosin Tope examines the profiles of those itching to succeed him.
A fierce political contest has begun in Ondo State as political heavyweight now intensify the moves to fill the soon-to-be vacant Ondo South Senatorial seat, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of the incumbent Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, as a non-career ambassador.
Ibrahim’s nomination was part of the 68 career and non-career ambassadors nominees announced earlier last week by President Tinubu and forwarded to the Senate arm of the National Assembly for screening.
In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Section 68(1)(d), Mr Ibrahim is expected to resign from the Senate before taking up the new job as as non-career ambassador.
However, his name on the list has 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, as the senator’s imminent exit from the National Assembly for the diplomatic job opens a prized political window for “bye-election” to fill the seat.
The battle for the seat is no longer speculative; it is unfolding, accelerating, and rapidly shaping alliances. What began as a presidential nomination has now opened a full spectrum of local ambitions, federal calculations, and regional identity politics.
Senator Ibrahim, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, is expected to vacate the Senate seat once his ambassadorial appointment is confirmed by his colleagues, who would apprehently use the traditional of “take a bow” as a ritual in the red chamber of the National Assembly.
With the senator’s imminent departure, the resulting by-election creates a rare mid-term opportunity for political actors seeking relevance, visibility, or bargaining power ahead of the next general elections.
Analysts have also predicted that the by-election, once announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), could become a major test of political strength within the fold of the ruling APC in Ondo state for the 2027 general elections.
As INEC’s announcement looms, the political machinery across Ondo South is roaring to life, setting the stage for an election that may define the state’s political rhythm ahead of 2027.
The Ondo South Senatorial District – spanning Okitipupa, Irele, Ese Odo, Odigbo, Ilaje, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo – had always remains one of the state’s most contested zones in history due to its significant voter populations and an oil-rich coastline whose development needs often become key political bargaining chips.
Elected on the platform of the APC in 2023, Senator Ibrahim, who hails from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state as a first timer had also contested in the governorship seat on three consecutive times.
However, 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.
The Nation learnt that from sources that the incumbent Senator has accepted his nomination as a non-career ambassador and would turn in his resignation letter in a few days.
While awaiting his official resignation, 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. Others argued that the contest should be thrown open to allow for broader participation.
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 money bag 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.
In the midst of the political bickering, the opposition parties, particularly the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are reportedly weighing the option as they hope to capitalize on any cracks within the ruling APC for the Senate seat.
The PDP, which once dominated Ondo South, is now smelling opportunity 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.
As the district awaits formal timelines from INEC, political activities across the Ondo South are expected to intensify, with alignments, endorsements, and power negotiations likely to define the emergence as the unfolding race is already drawing battle lines among three dominant forces: the incumbent governor, the Abuja power blocs, and the Senator Ibrahim camp.
According to insiders, the supporters of Governor Lucky 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-lection bid.
The governor, who is also rumoured to still have an eye in the governorship seat after completing his current tenure, is expected to back a candidate – for the Ondo Senate Senatorial District – capable of strengthening his reach, especially in the oil-producing belt where his political roots lie.
Also, the Abuja power blocs are already tightening their belt with federal-level politicians, including a top minister from the state, political appointees, and APC national powerbrokers eyeing the contest for their loyalists to hold firm the zone.
For them, the Ondo South seat is not just a legislative position but a strategic foothold that could shape negotiations within the national APC structure for future elections in the state.
While the politicking is ongoing, Senator Ibrahim’s loyalists and supporters argued that the federal lawmaker or at least his political machinery should have considerable influence in choosing his replacement for the seat even as many of them insist that continuity is essential for ongoing constituency projects and political stability.
Observers predicted that if the three blocs are not aligned, their competing interests may result in a messy internal struggle that could affect the chances of the APC in the contest.
One of the political pundits in the state, Barrister Jenyo Orimisan, said that the upcoming bye-election would hot up with the capacity of various aspirants already showing interest in the seat.
Orimisan explained, “It’s going to be a battle of the Titans if the leadership of the APC didn’t quickly intervene now, and the contest is thrown open. Don’t forget that the Ondo South seat – covering Okitipupa, Ilaje, Irele, Ese Odo, Odigbo, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo has historically been highly competitive.
“The zone formally a strong hold of the opposition party has now been fragmented with ethnic interests, party loyalty, and the powerful voting blocs along the oil-rich coastal belt playing significant roles in determining outcomes and who becomes what.
“So, it would be tough, and everyone wants to show support for President Bola Tinubu for 2027 election. Nobody would also want to rule out the influence of the incumbent governor. With the calibre of cabinet members in the Aiyedatiwa’s government from Ondo South, would anyone want to say he won’t influence who takes over from Jimoh Ibrahim. The answer is capital No.”
Though, there are no major contenders who have publicly declared for the seat, but consultations and political permutations have begun with some of the aspirants making underground moves.
The aspirants include former political heavyweights and office holders, former federal and state lawmakers angling for a return, technocrats seeking political entry, and grassroots mobilisers putting in heads and already positioning themselves for a potential contest.
They include but no limited to Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Barrister Morayo Lebi, former APC senatorial aspirant; Akinfolarin Mayowa, 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.
Senator Tofowomo
Tofowomo was the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State at the 9th National Assembly from 2019 to 2023. In a supplementary election, he was elected as senator, representing 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.
Barr. Lebi
Lebi is a distinguished figure in the APC in Ondo state, who had 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 for various offices, including the Ondo South Senatorial seat in 2015, although he lost the exercise. He also contested the 2024 governorship election exercise.
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.
Hon. Akinfolarin
Akinfolarin was a former legislator and member of the Ondo State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011, where he rose to the position of a deputy speaker and was also a member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023. He won the House of Representatives’ seats to represent the interest of 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 that won the National Assembly election in Ondo South Senatorial District. Among other several positions, he held the position of the chairman House Committee on Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of the 9th National Assembly.
Mathew Oye Oyerinmade
Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, is also a chieftain of the APC and renowned businessman. He contested the race for the Ondo South Senatorial Seat in 2023.
Born in Oke-Igbo, an ancient town in Ileoluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on May 27, 1967, Oyerinmade is also known as a
quiet philanthropist who has contributed consistently and immensely to poverty alleviation, empowerment, and community development in different parts of Ondo State.
Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu
Odu is an astute politician. She was born on December, 29 1952 in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. She was appointed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) by former governor late Rotimi Akeredolu. She was a Commissioner for Education in Ondo State (1995-1999), former Commissioner for Women Affairs,(January1999 to May 1999), Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) from September 2003 – February, 2009.
In 2013, Odu was appointed Director, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; a position she held till 2015. She was also appointed the Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Akure in 2015. She was again appointed the Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, by late Akeredolu in October 2017.
Rt (Hon) 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 LGA. In April 2007, Hon Jumoke contested the seat of the constituency, Okitipupa constituency II, but lost to the opposition party. She re-contested on 11 April 2011 and was elect a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, where she served as Chairman of House Committee on Education before she was elected Speaker of the Assembly.
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 20 March 2018.
Eniola Akinsola
Akinsola is the former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko. He’s a journalist, writer, columnist, and season 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 season 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 take over from 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 for the restoration of democracy.
Diran Iyantan
Iyantan is a former Federal Commissioner for National Population Commission (NPC), representing Ondo State and 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.
Ogbeni Fakuyi
Fakuyi, who hails from Ilutitun Ward 2 in Okitipupa local government area, is also a big player in the ruling APC. He was coordinator for Buhari Vanguard in Ondo State in 2014/2015. He 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 Masters degree in Legislative Studies from the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja. He is a legislative consultant to many federal lawmakers and legislative institutions with primary focus on public policy, public procurement, and constitutional matters.
The Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, has said Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts will remain limited unless citizens see themselves as active stakeholders in the fight against terror.
Addressing journalists at the Senate Southwest Security Summit in Lagos yesterday, Ibrahim, who holds a PhD in Modern War Studies, argued that patriotism expressed through trust, cooperation and collective vigilance is a more potent weapon than aggression in tackling identity-driven conflicts.
He maintained that the war against insurgency cannot be left to the military alone, noting that citizen commitment is as crucial as any tactical operation.
According to him, insurgents thrive on societal divisions, and only a united population can deny them the support they seek.
Ibrahim explained that modern warfare hinges heavily on Civil-Military Operations that build credibility and legitimacy within affected communities.
He said many communities ultimately determine whether terrorists gain sympathy or lose influence.
“You cannot win a war when the people are not emotionally aligned with the mission of that war,” he said.
The senator warned that excessive force without engagement could alienate civilians and hand insurgents a ready-made narrative for recruitment and propaganda.
He added that global experience has shown that public trust is often more decisive than firepower.
He urged Nigerians to deepen their love for the country, saying patriotism strengthens national resilience against internal threats and foreign interference. Unity, he stressed, is not symbolic but strategic in counter-terrorism operations.
Ibrahim also cautioned citizens against taking the country’s relative stability for granted, insisting that insecurity grows where people detach themselves from national security efforts.
He listed intelligence sharing, vigilance and community support as critical tools in defeating terrorism.
Expressing optimism, the lawmaker said Nigeria would overcome its current challenges only if government, security agencies and citizens close ranks.
“We shall overcome,” he said, “but only if we act together and put the country first.”
He thanked the Senate for supporting his motion to hold a National Security Summit in the six geo-political zones and for setting up an adhoc committee to bring it to reality.
“Our country shall be safe after the learning curve”, he said.
Bank drafts for the winners of the Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Bursary Award are due for collection today at Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
A total of 1000 undergraduates of Ondo South Senatorial District origin are beneficiaries of the bursary ,courtesy of Dr.Jimoh Ibrahim who represents the senatorial district in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
Each awardee will receive N100000 in support of his education.
Venue of the bursary disbursement is University of Fortune, Igbotako and time is 10am,according to the organisers.
Collection can be by “physical presence or by delegation of payment power; a letter of authorization to anyone,” the organisers said.
They added:“our payment team can make payment to you anywhere if you are not at the ceremony . They can credit your account (we already have) upon telephone confirmation on the number you provided.
“All PWD should collect from Omamofe your leader and should not attend the ceremony. If you are a graduate or you are not a student, your slot will go to another student in your local government.”
“Each successful candidate is now honored with the title JI Scholar, a certificate to that effect will be sent later and you can use it to apply for further financial assistance.”
The beneficiaries are drawn from various institutions of higher learning in the country.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may deploy a liberalism strategy anchored on cooperation, corporations, and collaboration to end insecurity and strengthen ties with global partners, including the United States.
Ibrahim, who chairs the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, dismissed reports of tension between President Tinubu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying both leaders share liberal democratic values that favour dialogue over dispute.
In a statement personally signed and released on Sunday, the lawmaker urged Nigerians to “calm down,” noting that “democratic liberal states don’t go to war with one another.”
“In cooperation and collaboration, we engage and determine a new international order in a geocentric system,” he said.
Blending humour with intellect, Ibrahim described himself as a close associate of both leaders.“Tinubu and Trump will not fight one another. What is more, T vs T or T plus T is usually T², no further mathematics is required,” he noted.
The senator revealed that he once lived in Trump Tower, describing Trump as his former landlord and Tinubu as his political father.“I know them, their praxis, and their taxonomies,” he added, echoing Winston Churchill’s line that “they simply jaw-jaw, not war-war.”
His remarks follow controversy over Trump’s recent comments alleging a “genocide” against Christians in Nigeria, a claim that has sparked global reactions and diplomatic concern.
The Federal Government has since dismissed Trump’s comments as “misleading and unreflective of reality,” stressing that insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven largely by terrorism, banditry, and resource conflicts.
Analysts say President Trump’s remarks could strain Nigeria-U.S. relations. But Senator Ibrahim’s intervention, they note, underscores the need for calm diplomacy, constructive dialogue, and international cooperation in addressing security challenges.
The Senate at plenary yesterday hailed Ondo South Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for representing the nation well during the celebration of Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Nigeria has now been removed from the financial crime watch list.
