As Nigeria slowly approaches the 2027 general elections, political activities are already gaining momentum across the country. In Ondo State, although there will be no governorship contest in that cycle, attention is shifting toward two major battlegrounds: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
For the Ondo Central Senatorial District, the political temperature is already rising. Early indicators suggest that the race may involve three notable figures: the incumbent Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, Dr. Muyiwa Adu popularly known as Adu Cubana, and Dr. Abiola Makinde, a familiar face in the district. While it is too early to draw firm conclusions, the contest promises to be fierce, colourful, and unpredictable.
Yet, even more electrifying is the developing race for the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Akure North and South Federal Constituency. The dynamics are unique this time, not only because of the quality of aspirants showing interest but also because of the political weight and social roots they carry. Many have strong educational backgrounds, deep community ties, and in several cases, ancestral links to Akure royalty.
As at the latest count, no fewer than eleven aspirants are believed to be nurturing plans to contest for the APC ticket. They include: Hon. Prince Derin Adesida, Princess Omowumi Olatunji Ohwovoriole, Hon. Femi Fadairo, Prince Akintayo Olokunboro, Hon. Mrs. Tomisin Edu Falade, Hon. Dele Ologunnioluwa, Hon Ayodeji D.F. Oluleye, Hon. Olabanmi Atanmuyide, Barr. Alex Adedipe Jr, Hon. Olusola Agbi, and Hon. Michael Afolabi Olakunle.
Observers also believe more names including the the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, may join the race as the political environment continues to evolve.
It is true that the incumbent, Hon. Derin Adesida, enjoys the advantage that comes with holding office. But incumbency alone has never been enough to secure a party ticket in Akure politics. The strength and influence of other aspirants cannot be overlooked. Hon. Mrs. Tomisin Edu Falade has shown significant visibility, consistency, and political engagement. Princess Omowumi Olatunji Ohwovoriole remains a solid contender with her own political machinery and wide grassroots network.
A fresh twist to the unfolding drama is the steady political imprint of Prince Akintayo Olokunboro. Though he has not formally declared his intention, political watchers have been observing the strong activities of the Akinrinlola Olokunboro Foundation, established in honour of his late father, Pa Akinrinola Olokunboro, one of the respected founding elders of the APC in Ondo State.
In the past months, the Foundation has grown into one of the most visible community-focused initiatives within Akure. From weekly city cleaning exercises that touch both Akure South and Akure North, to its empowerment of small scale entrepreneurs, to free medical outreach programs and its regular radio engagement, the Foundation has been steadily building a presence that many interpret as a strategic political movement.
The Foundation has also supported students in public schools, partnered with community leaders, and invested personal resources into multiple social development projects.
Prince Akintayo, a natural mineral resource engineer, represents a professional field closely aligned with one of the key economic priorities of the current national administration. And as a son of a respected former APC leader, he is believed to have strong ties to several key decision makers across both Alagbaka and Abuja, especially among the old AC and ACN blocs.
With all these players stepping into the ring, one thing is certain. The battle for the APC ticket in Akure North and South will not be a casual contest. It will be shaped by ideas, community relevance, political capital, financial strength, and the ability to build coalitions across multiple power blocs.
It is far too early to predict how the pendulum may swing, but all signs point to an intriguing, competitive, and politically rich contest that will captivate observers all the way to the primaries.
