The Ondo State chapter of the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance has endorsed former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Catherine Odu, to represent Ondo South Senatorial District in the Senate, following the nomination of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for an ambassadorial appointment to the United Nations.
The development comes amid growing political consultations within the All Progressives Congress over who should fill the expected vacancy if Ibrahim’s nomination is confirmed and he formally exits the Senate.
At a press conference in Akure on Wednesday, the State Coordinator of the group, Samuel Olopade, declared a vote of confidence in Odu, describing her as “a remarkable leader and an exemplary public servant.”
According to him, Odu’s longstanding record in public service, particularly in governance, education and women’s development, makes her a strong contender for the position.
“Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu is not just a name; she is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, particularly women and youth aspiring to lead,” Olopade said.
He noted that her academic background in sociology, industrial relations and law had prepared her for leadership and public administration.
Odu, a seasoned politician and administrator, has held several strategic positions in Ondo State and at the federal level. She served as Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Federal Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission and later emerged as the first female Secretary to the Ondo State Government.
Olopade said her performance in those offices demonstrated administrative competence and commitment to grassroots development.
“In each of these roles, she championed reforms that prioritised institutional strengthening, educational advancement and grassroots development,” he stated.
He also praised what he described as her disciplined and professional approach to governance.
“As Commissioner for Education, she was instrumental in implementing reforms that enhanced educational management and improved access to quality education,” Olopade said.
He added that her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs reflected “a passionate advocacy for women’s participation in governance and leadership.”
The group argued that Odu’s experience across different levels of government positions her to effectively represent Ondo South in the National Assembly at a time the district requires experienced leadership.
“We believe that her wealth of experience and commitment to the people of Ondo South Senatorial District make her the ideal candidate to represent us in the Nigerian Senate,” Olopade said.
The endorsement also carries a gender inclusion message, coming at a time when advocacy for greater representation of women in elective offices has gained renewed attention across the country.
Olopade appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support Odu’s emergence as a consensus candidate for the seat.
“We appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to consider our request for Princess Odu to be named a consensus candidate for this important position,” he said.
He also called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to back the aspiration.
“We appeal to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to look into our request because it will further strengthen the reserve seat for women bill and also encourage more women to participate in leadership positions,” he added.
Olopade further urged APC members and residents of Ondo South Senatorial District to rally behind Odu.
“Your support is crucial in ensuring that we have a representative who embodies the values of integrity, accountability and progress,” he said.
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