Opeyemi Bamidele Secures APC Return Ticket Unopposed for Ekiti Central Senatorial District

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Monday secured his return ticket to the Senate for the third consecutive term through affirmation. This isn't the first time Mr Bamidele has secured his party's ticket without opposition; it happened in 2023 when he was seeking a second term in the Senate. He didn't face any opposition then, and it's clear he's well-established in his role.

Opeyemi Bamidele is the current Senate Leader, a position that makes him one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian Senate. Before becoming Senate Leader, he had served in various capacities, including as a member of the House of Representatives. His affirmation for the APC ticket for the Ekiti Central Senatorial district indicates his popularity within the party and his constituency. He's widely accepted, and that's why he didn't face any opposition.

The Affirmation Process

The affirmations took place in all wards across the five local government areas in the Ekiti Central Senatorial district, with members of the party voting by voice. This process underscores the confidence the party has in Mr Bamidele's leadership. They're confident he can represent the district effectively in the Senate. The party's confidence in him is clear, and it's because they believe he's done a good job so far.

Reaction from Opeyemi Bamidele

Speaking after the exercise, Mr Bamidele attributed his affirmation to the grace of God and the value his time in the Senate has added to Ekiti Central. "I want everyone to know I’m also not taking this for granted. I don't think it's just because I'm a good candidate; it's also partly because of the grace God has given me to truly serve the people." He didn't win by chance; he won because he's been working hard for his constituency.

Projects and Achievements

Mr Bamidele highlighted several projects he's been working on, aimed at enhancing youth development and improving living conditions in Ekiti Central. These include working on 11 different mini stadia. He's also been constructing five intensive care units. Additionally, he's been building classrooms in different schools. He's distributed over a hundred transformers, and he's installed over 6,000 solar streetlight bulbs across the district.

He's been doing a lot to improve the lives of his constituents, and that's why they're happy with him.

Advice to Disgruntled Aspirants

The Senate Leader also addressed the issue of disgruntled aspirants who lost in the primary elections, advising them not to see their loss as a defeat. He shared his personal experience of losing a primary election in 2011 despite winning, due to the party's geopolitical considerations. "But it’s not every contest that produces a loser. Producing a contest isn't the same as being a loser. It could be that it’s just not your time. It could be that God has a better plan for you, and it could be that the circumstances or the geopolitical considerations of the moment don't support your aspiration." He won't say they're losers, because they're not; they just didn't win this time. They might win next time, and they shouldn't give up.

Looking Forward

As Mr Bamidele prepares for his third term in the Senate, his focus remains on serving the people of Ekiti Central. He wants to ensure that his constituency benefits from his position. His unopposed return as the APC candidate for the senatorial district is a testament to his acceptance by the party and the people. They accept him, and they're happy to have him as their representative. He's done a good job, and they don't want anyone else.