Barrister Morayo Lebi has purchased the nomination form to contest the upcoming by-election for the Ondo South Senatorial District seat.
The seat became vacant following the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy.
Lebi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a familiar figure in political, business, and legal circles within the district. He has previously contested for the senatorial seat on three occasions, with each attempt surrounded by controversy.
Responding to claims that he had withdrawn from active politics since the 2023 APC primaries in Okitipupa, Lebi said he remained consistently involved in party activities and grassroots engagements. He described himself as a foundational member of the APC who chose party unity over confrontation despite alleged irregularities during the primaries.
He also commended INEC for improvements in the 2023 general elections, citing innovations such as BVAS and IREV as significant progress, while noting that voter apathy remains a concern.
On national governance, Lebi expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, urging the administration to focus on economic recovery and assemble a capable team to deliver on its mandate.
Positioning himself as a leading aspirant, Lebi outlined a governance agenda centred on transparency, accountability, and people-focused representation. He pledged that, if elected, public resources and constituency allocations would be prudently managed to drive economic empowerment, youth development, quality education, and infrastructure growth across Ondo South.
He further emphasised plans to support small businesses, promote job creation, and champion policies aimed at improving living standards. On security and welfare, he promised to advocate stronger community safety measures and social protection for vulnerable groups.
Lebi called on constituents to support what he described as a vision for purposeful and responsive representation in the Senate.
