The political atmosphere in Akokoland was charged with renewed energy and optimism on Thursday as Honourable Afolabi Momoh Abdulateef (Mogaji) formally declared his intention to contest for the Ondo North Senatorial seat under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The political atmosphere in Akokoland was charged with renewed energy and optimism on Thursday as Honourable Afolabi Momoh Abdulateef (Mogaji) formally declared his intention to contest for the Ondo North Senatorial seat under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The declaration, which took place at Ekan Ward in Ikare Akoko, drew an impressive crowd of supporters, traditional leaders, and political heavyweights from across Ondo North. The event was also broadcast live across various social media platforms, reflecting the growing popularity and digital-savvy approach of the aspirant.
For many political observers, Mogaji’s entry into the senatorial race is more than just another political ambition—it is seen as a symbol of renewed hope, a strategic realignment in Akoko politics, and a booster to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (PBAT) 2027 re-election drive in the region.
A Vision Anchored on Accessibility and Accountability
Addressing the jubilant crowd, Hon. Mogaji spoke with conviction and clarity, setting a tone that resonated deeply with the people.
“I will not be evasive,” he declared. “I will be accessible, because good governance and qualitative representation is not a privilege—it is your inalienable right.”
In those few words, Mogaji captured the essence of what many in Akoko and the wider Ondo North Senatorial District have long yearned for: representation that listens, acts, and delivers.
He continued passionately, emphasizing the humanitarian core of his political philosophy:
“Your joy fuels my purpose, your pain burns in my heart, and your future—your freedom—is the mission I live for. Humanity must come first. When a leader turns a deaf ear to the cries of the people, it’s not just about their rights—it’s their duty to reclaim their future. And that is what we are starting today.”
A Track Record of Service and Loyalty
Mogaji is no stranger to leadership or service. A stalwart and financier of the APC in Akokoland and the entire Ondo North, he has over the years demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the party and commitment to community development.
His role as Director General for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s 2024 Gubernatorial Campaign in Ondo North positioned him as a formidable grassroots mobilizer and strategist, earning him respect from both the party hierarchy and the electorate.
Beyond politics, Mogaji’s reputation for philanthropy, inclusiveness, and social investment has endeared him to the people. From youth empowerment initiatives to community development support and direct financial assistance to the less privileged, his name is synonymous with generosity and accessibility.
The People’s Verdict: A Call for Change
During the declaration, several community and political leaders took turns to voice their frustrations with the current state of representation in the senatorial district. They lamented what they described as a lack of tangible projects and poor accessibility from the current occupant of the seat.
One speaker bluntly accused the incumbent of “running the senatorial district as a personal business empire,” while another expressed dismay at the “widening disconnect between leadership and the people.”
For many in attendance, Mogaji’s declaration represents a turning point—a beacon of hope that could end years of political stagnation and bring about a more responsive, people-centered representation.
A Wave of Defections and Renewed Confidence
In a significant political twist, the event also witnessed the defection of over 100 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Their leaders openly declared that they were joining the ruling party because of their confidence in Mogaji’s leadership and vision.
“We are not just joining APC,” one of the decampees said. “We are joining the Mogaji movement because we believe in his sincerity, his compassion, and his ability to deliver.”
This development further cements Mogaji’s growing influence and signals a broader political realignment that could reshape the 2027 senatorial contest in Ondo North.
A Movement, Not Just an Ambition
Political analysts describe Mogaji’s declaration as the beginning of a new political chapter in Akoko politics—one that could redefine the balance of power and rekindle public faith in democratic leadership.
The overwhelming turnout at the event, coupled with the spontaneous enthusiasm of the crowd, underscored the mass appeal of Mogaji’s brand of politics—one built on trust, empathy, and purposeful governance.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, it is increasingly clear that Hon. Afolabi Momoh Abdulateef (Mogaji) is not just another contender; he is the embodiment of a people’s collective aspiration for renewal and responsible representation.
And if the sentiments in Akokoland are anything to go by, the Mogaji Movement may very well become one of the defining forces in shaping the political direction of Ondo North—and by extension, reinforcing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political consolidation in the Southwest.