Agagu’s Entrance Into Ondo South Senatorial Race Alters Old Permutations

Relative calm has returned to streets of Ondo State following the completion of
The All Progressives Congress, APC primaries ahead of 2027 General Election.

But in the Southern Senatorial District of the Sunshine State, another round of political contest has just started as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC prepares to conduct a bye election to replace Senator Jimoh Ibrahim who resigned from the senate following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, UN.

INEC had earlier published the guidelines and fixed Saturday June 20 for the conduct of the bye election.

Expectedly hordes of politicians from Ondo South have indicated interests in the vacant position. Some of those aspiring include former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Princess Oladunni Odu, her step sister and former Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Right Hon. Jumoke Akindele and Professor Dayo Faduyile.

The three of them are from Okitipupa Local Government, where Jimoh Ibrahim hails from. This is based on the understanding that someone from Okitipupa should be allowed to finish what is left of Ibrahim’s tenure.
Hitherto, analysts have narrowed down the contest as a battle of two sisters, jostling for one position.

Everything changed last week with the entrance of Femi Agagu into the Senatorial race. Agagu, pastor, politician and former Commissioner for Education is highly respected in the Local Government; especially for his resourcefulness, calmness and political maturity. Having served as the Chief of Staff to Governor Olusegun Agagu, his late brother, Femi Agagu has built a network of political contacts across the state and most especially in the Southern Senatorial District.

Reports indicate that Pastor Agagu didn’t show interest in the race until leaders of thought in Ikale land encouraged him to go for it.

Those promoting the Agagu candidacy argue that since Ibrahim is from constituency 1 it is appropriate to field Agagu who is also from constituency 1. Both Jumoke Akindele and Oladunni Odu are from constituency 2.

They argued further that Dr Olumuyiwa Daramola, the APC candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2027 election is also from constituency 2.

Another point in Agagu ‘s favour is the need to assuage the Agagu family over the botched Senatorial bid of the late Governor.

Recall that Dr Olusegun Agagu contested election to represent Ondo South in the Senate on the platform of People’s Democratic Party, PDP in 2011. It was alleged that election was rigged in favour of the Labour Party’s candidate, Boluwaji Kunlere. Those rooting for Femi Agagu insist that his candidature would be a well deserved compensation for the Agagu family.
With these new postulations and calculations, the race to replace Jimoh Ibrahim in the senate has entered a new realm.