NO EMPTY PROMISES: KEKEMEKE PLEDGES REALISTIC, PEOPLE-CENTRED REPRESENTATION FOR ONDO SOUTH
For Hon. Barr. D.I. Kekemeke, the APC Senatorial candidate for Ondo South in the 2027 general election, the work of a Senator is defined by responsibility, not rhetoric. He says the position is not about making promises he cannot keep, but about advocacy, access, and delivering results that matter to the people.
Speaking in Akure during an interview with members of the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria led by the President, Olaseeni Oyesusi, Kekemeke explained that his focus will be to identify the key challenges facing Ondo South and use his seat in the National Assembly to push for practical solutions.
He stated that his primary duty will be to serve as a strong voice for Ondo South, and by extension for Ondo State, while working with his colleagues at the National Assembly. He also pledged to support the Governor and the Government of Ondo State in advancing the interests of the state at the federal level. According to him, that is the central mandate he is seeking.
Kekemeke emphasized that representation should not be viewed as a personal privilege. He said he does not see it as an opportunity for self-enrichment, but as a call to service and a continuation of his long-standing commitment to humanity.
He told the people of Ondo South that their welfare will come first. He noted that despite the district’s significant contributions to the economy of Ondo State and Nigeria through its natural resources, the area has often been overlooked in terms of development and attention. He promised to be a representative who is easy to reach, one who will listen to the people, understand their concerns, and present them to the right authorities for action.
Describing himself as old wine that gets better with age, Kekemeke said his years of experience have prepared him better for the task ahead. He noted that he is older now, more mature, and more equipped for the assignment. He stressed that experience counts in governance and that he is ready to deploy his to serve effectively.
A key part of his agenda is creating opportunities for young people. He said he will collaborate with the Ondo State Government, the Federal Government, and his colleagues in the National Assembly to attract industries, federal agencies, and development projects to Ondo South. He pointed to initiatives he started in Ilaje and said his goal is to see them strengthened, expanded, and sustained through deliberate advocacy.
On the issue of accessibility, Kekemeke made a clear commitment to his constituents. He said people should not have to travel all the way to Abuja to meet their Senator. He promised to return home regularly for direct engagement with the people, so their concerns can shape his work in the Senate.
He also spoke frankly about expectations for personal financial assistance. With a population of over one million people in Ondo South, he said true representation cannot be reduced to paying individual school fees or wedding bills. While acknowledging that personal cases will arise, he said his approach will be to build systems that make him reachable and to ensure that where genuine intervention is needed, help will be provided.
Speaking on his emergence as the APC candidate, Kekemeke was appreciative. He thanked Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for initiating and endorsing his aspiration, the people of Ondo South for their support during the primaries, the APC National Working Committee for standing by the process, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership that ensured a credible outcome.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to justify the confidence reposed in him through selfless, transparent, and people-oriented representation.
COMMENTS