The Ondo South Senatorial District is at the centre of a political stir following President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for a diplomatic posting.
Senator Ibrahim, who currently represents the district in the National Assembly, has yet to indicate whether he will resign to accept the ambassadorial appointment, leaving constituents and political actors in suspense.
Meanwhile, political heavyweights in the district are already positioning themselves for a potential contest. Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Barr Morayo Lebi, former APC senatorial aspirant; Akinfolarin Mayowa, ex-House of Representatives member; and Oyerinmade Mathew, popularly known as MATO, are reportedly canvassing support ahead of a possible vacancy.
Sources say these figures have begun engaging key stakeholders across the district, mobilising grassroots support and securing endorsements in anticipation of a competitive race.
The political buzz has spilled over to social media, where constituents are actively canvassing for their preferred aspirants. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp have become hotbeds for discussions, endorsements, and campaigns, reflecting the growing public interest in who might succeed Senator Ibrahim.
Senator Ibrahim’s supporters described the ambassadorial nomination as a “double portion,” but legal practitioners have described the situation as laughable.
“Under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), Section 68(1)(a) states that a member of the Senate or House of Representatives shall vacate their seat if they accept any appointment in the service of the government (Federal or State) that is an office of profit or emolument. An ambassadorial post, whether career or non-career, is clearly an executive office with remuneration, meaning a vacancy would legally arise should he accept the position.”
The situation has intensified political uncertainty in Ondo South, with analysts warning that a sudden resignation could spark a fierce contest within the APC and among opposition parties, as aspirants prepare to seize the opportunity.
Until Senator Ibrahim clarifies his intentions, Ondo South remains in a state of suspense, with constituents and political actors alike awaiting a decisive move that will shape the district’s political landscape.
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