By Jimoh Ahmed
The political atmosphere in Ondo North Senatorial District is quietly heating up ahead of 2027, and at the center of the unfolding drama is Senator Jide Ipinsagba, the man representing the district in the National Assembly. Once considered a unifying figure, Ipinsagba now faces a simmering revolt — not from rival parties, but from his own kinsmen in Akoko, particularly within his hometown of Ikare-Akoko.
A Senator Under Pressure
When Jide Ipinsagba clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket and later won the 2023 senatorial election, many hailed his emergence as a long-overdue victory for Akoko land, which had long agitated for fair representation. Two years into his tenure, however, murmurs of discontent have begun to echo from the same streets that once celebrated his victory.
Community leaders, youth groups, and political stakeholders across Akoko North and South are openly questioning what they describe as his “invisible representation.” Many complain that the senator has not lived up to the expectations of his constituency, citing limited constituency outreach, poor communication, and a lack of visible projects.
An influential community leader in Ikare, who requested anonymity, told The Pivot:
> “We expected that with one of our own in Abuja, things would change. But we hardly hear from him. No empowerment, no constituency office functioning properly, and no project to show that Akoko is part of his agenda. How can we support such a person for second term?”
The Homefront Rebellion
Perhaps most worrisome for Ipinsagba is that the discontent is strongest in his own base. Several political figures in Ikare-Akoko, including former allies, are reportedly regrouping to ensure that another Akoko indigene — or even a rival from Owo/Ose axis — takes the seat in 2027.
Investigations reveal that meetings are already being held under what insiders describe as the “Akoko Agenda Forum,” a loose coalition of politicians, youth leaders, and traditional influencers determined to stop Ipinsagba’s re-election bid. Their argument is simple: Akoko must retain the senatorial seat, but not necessarily with him.
A youth activist in Arigidi-Akoko captured the mood succinctly:
> “We cannot afford to lose the seat, but we also cannot continue with a senator who has disconnected from his people. We will support someone who is available, accessible, and accountable.”
Performance in Question
A review of federal budget documents for 2023 and 2024 shows minimal traceable projects attributed directly to the senator across the six local governments of Ondo North District. While a few empowerment programs were reportedly held in Owo and Ikare, beneficiaries allege the events were selective and poorly publicized.
Some local analysts argue that Ipinsagba has not effectively leveraged his business background and connections in Abuja to attract development to the region. Others point to a communication gap, noting that even when the senator undertakes activities, the public remains largely uninformed.
Political Undercurrents in APC
Within the APC in Ondo State, the senator’s woes appear compounded by internal power struggles. Reliable sources say key party figures in Akoko, who initially supported him, now feel alienated. His relationship with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s camp is also said to be lukewarm, with some describing it as “purely transactional.”
A senior party official confided:
> “The governor’s team is already mapping out 2027, and every elective position will be reviewed. Nobody is guaranteed a return ticket, not even senators. Ipinsagba has work to do if he wants the governor’s structure behind him.”
The Ikare Factor: Blessing or Burden?
Ikare-Akoko, a town of deep political sophistication, has always been divided along traditional, ethnic, and factional lines. Senator Ipinsagba’s emergence initially united these divides under a common pride, but that unity now appears fractured. Some accuse him of surrounding himself with political opportunists and ignoring grassroots leaders who helped mobilize votes in 2023.
Even the youth, who once chanted his name at rallies, are now visibly disenchanted. A trending conversation among Akoko political WhatsApp groups in recent weeks has been tagged #WhoRepresentsUs, reflecting a growing feeling of abandonment.
Senator’s Camp Reacts
When contacted by The Pivot, a source close to Senator Ipinsagba dismissed the criticisms as “sponsored noise by opposition elements.” He said:
> “The Senator has been focused on delivering quality representation. He has facilitated federal employment slots, supported small-scale traders, and ensured Akoko’s voice is heard at the national level. Those attacking him are merely seeking attention ahead of 2027.”
However, independent verification of these claims remains difficult, as few of the alleged beneficiaries could be reached, and no official documentation of the said interventions was made available at press time.
The Akoko Verdict — Voices from the Ground
> “He came with big promises, but since 2023, what can we point to as his achievement? Not even one major road or empowerment project in Akoko.”
— Community Youth Leader, Ikare-Akoko
> “We want the senatorial seat to remain in Akoko, but not with someone who has forgotten his people.”
— Trader, Arigidi-Oja, Arigidi-Akoko
> “He must return home and feel the pulse of the grassroots. The Abuja politics he’s playing won’t save him.”
— Elder Statesman, Akoko South-West
> “We respect Senator Ipinsagba as a businessman, but politics needs empathy and presence. People want to see their representative.”
— Political Analyst, Owo
FACT BOX: Five Things Akoko People Accuse Senator Ipinsagba Of:
1. Poor Accessibility: Constituents complain he rarely visits Akoko communities since assuming office.
2. Weak Constituency Presence: His constituency office in Ikare is reportedly underutilized or inactive.
3. Minimal Projects: Few visible federal projects or empowerment initiatives have been traced directly to him.
4. Neglect of Grassroots Leaders: Many local politicians and mobilizers allege they’ve been sidelined since 2023.
5. Communication Gap: A lack of consistent public engagement — no regular media briefings, town halls, or progress updates.
The Road to 2027
As political realignments take shape in Ondo North, the senator’s biggest challenge may not come from opposition parties but from his own people. The Akoko bloc, once united behind him, now seems fragmented, with multiple aspirants eyeing the same seat.
Unless Senator Ipinsagba quickly reconnects with his base, rekindles public trust, and demonstrates tangible impact, his homegrown rebellion could snowball into a full-blown political mutiny that ends his legislative journey in 2027.
For now, the senator remains publicly calm, attending official functions in Abuja and occasionally visiting the district. But in the streets of Ikare, whispers are growing louder — and for a politician, that silence of the crowd can be more dangerous than open opposition.
