Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, a board member of the University of Ibadan Governing Council, has declared his intention to contest the Ondo North Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governorship campaign financier and private sector executive says his ambition is driven by the need to unlock economic opportunities and strengthen federal representation for communities across Akoko, Ose and Owo.

If elected, he would represent Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East, Akoko South West, Ose and Owo local government areas in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.

Why it matters

Ondo North remains one of the state’s most resource-rich zones, with solid minerals, vast agricultural land and eco-tourism potential, yet residents continue to grapple with unemployment, insecurity and infrastructure gaps.

Political analysts say the senatorial race will be closely watched as parties position influential figures ahead of future electoral cycles in Ondo State.

Who is Alexander Ajipe?

Born on 7 May 1978, Chief Ajipe holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

He also earned a Diploma in Project Management from Cologne Business School, Germany, alongside BSc and MSc degrees in International Relations and Diplomacy from West African Union University, Cotonou, Benin Republic.

A Chartered Management Consultant and Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria, he additionally holds an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration and Management.

Chief Ajipe is the Managing Director of Klick Konnect Networks International Limited, headquartered in Akure, and is married to Mrs Mariam Kehinde Ajipe, with whom he has children.

Accolades and institutional roles

His work in enterprise development and public service has attracted several recognitions, including an Award of Excellence in Corporate Service and Industrialisation from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He has also received awards from the Nigerian Institute of Building, Yoruba Youth Council, Aketi Vision Organisation, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and the National Defence College, Abuja.

Chief Ajipe serves as Patron of the National Association of Public Administration Students (AAUA Chapter) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, while his role on the University of Ibadan Governing Council places him among policymakers shaping Nigeria’s foremost academic institution.

APC roots and political investments

Chief Ajipe’s political journey began in 1998 with the Alliance for Democracy, later serving as a party agent in 1999.

He became Director General for Youth and Student Mobilisation in the Action Congress in 2006 and remained active through the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before joining the APC.

Within the ruling party, he convened the Sunshine Progressive Coalition (2016) and Ibigiga Ambassadors (2020).

During the 2020 Ondo governorship election, he served as Director General of the Civil Society and Support Group for the APC Campaign Council.

According to party records, he donated 40 vehicles, 203 motorcycles, vehicles to six local government party secretariats, and 26 vehicles to state constituencies to support campaign logistics.

He also served on the APC Presidential Campaign Council in 2023, including roles in the National Campaign Council, Finance Subcommittee, and as Director of the Humanitarian and Social Directorate (South West).

His vision for Ondo North

Chief Ajipe says his legislative agenda would focus on agricultural modernisation, security strengthening, healthcare and education rehabilitation, and skills development for youth and women.

He also plans to push for federal support to develop solid minerals, agribusiness value chains, and eco-tourism hubs across the district.

Supporters argue that his private sector experience and national networks could give Ondo North a stronger voice in Abuja.

What’s next

With the APC yet to formally release its senatorial timetable, party insiders say consultations and grassroots engagements are expected to intensify across Ondo North in the coming months.

The race is likely to test the influence of party financiers against long-serving political officeholders as internal party contests draw closer.