By Olumide Akinrinlola
As the 2027 campaign begins in Ondo State ahead of the National Assembly elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ondo South, Hon. Oyerinmade Mathew, popularly known as MATO, is gaining traction and attracting widespread acceptance.
A visit by our team of correspondents to the six local government areas in Ondo South over the weekend revealed changing political dynamics in the district. The team assessed public opinion, the popularity of candidates, the preparedness of political parties and their visibility on the field.
The findings suggested a departure from the old order, in which voters often cast their ballots based on party affiliation or the popularity of a political party.
From Odigbo to Ileoluji/Okeigbo, Irele, Okitipupa, Ilaje and Ese-Odo, the message from residents was clear and consistent: “It is about our choice, not the choice of any political party.”
Many political actors and voters who spoke to Starnews reporters expressed this view. A majority of the leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who spoke to Starnews NG were direct about their preference. They made no attempt to hide their feelings, telling our correspondents that MATO was their preferred candidate.
Although they gave different reasons for their decision, they were united in their support for MATO over the APC candidate, Isaac Kekemeke. Except for a few political leaders who vowed to resist anti-party activities in their wards, the same sentiment was expressed across the six local government areas of Ondo South.
Starnews observed that MATO’s growing influence is not limited to one political party. He also appears to have considerable support among members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Some ADC members, many of whom have strong links with the PDP, expressed personal grievances against Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, the party’s candidate. They openly told our correspondents that they were working for MATO.
When asked about their reasons, they described the 2027 Ondo South senatorial election as an opportunity to “settle personal scores” with the senator who represented the district in the 9th Senate of the federal republic of Nigeria.
Some of these leaders are influential political figures whose roles cannot be overlooked, given the political history of Ondo South. Any candidate who underestimates their influence risks being undermined by their strong connections with their immediate constituents.
Starnews NG reports that MATO’s growing support is building genuine momentum and attracting increasing attention across Ondo South. His visibility is also helping to strengthen his political network in the six local government areas.
However, as the campaign intensifies, MATO will have to contend with three major hurdles: powerful APC interests in Abuja, vote-buying and Senator Nicholas Tofowomo of the ADC, who has already earned the trust of many voters and occupies a place in their hearts, Starnews NG can report.
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