The race for the Southern Senatorial District seat intensified on Wednesday as the Odigbo Liberation Club (OLC), a prominent socio-political organisation, declared that it is Odigbo Local Government’s turn to produce the next senator.
In a statement issued by its coordinator, Comrade Akinwale Oladimeji, and co-signed by Akindolire Sade and Olaoluwa Akintimehin, the group argued that Odigbo remains the only local government in the district yet to occupy any major elective or appointive position.
According to the OLC, the call is rooted in fairness, equity and the strong support the local government has consistently given to the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in previous election cycles.
“The South Senate seat should be zoned to Odigbo,” the group insisted, noting that other councils in the district have had their share of political representation.
The statement noted that Ilaje Local Government has produced a governor and currently holds the state’s slot at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), while Ese-Odo has the serving member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency.
It further noted that Okitipupa Local Government produced the incumbent senator, who has now been nominated as an ambassador, in addition to holding positions on the board of the Southwest Commission and the National Population Commission. Irele Local Government, the group said, currently holds the Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency seat, while Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo represents the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
“With all these facts, Odigbo remains the only council yet to be considered for either elective or selective positions.
“In the spirit of fairness and equity, we respectfully request the APC to zone the Southern senatorial seat to Odigbo Local Government”, the OLC stated.
The group maintained that granting Odigbo the senatorial ticket would correct longstanding political imbalance in the district and strengthen party unity ahead of the future elections.
