By Heritage Odih
The spokesman of Forum of ACCORD South West Chairmen and Chairman of ACCORD Party, Ogun State Chapter, Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael, has declared his intention to contest for the Chairmanship position of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state for the 2026 election.
Hon. Oke comes to the race with sterling political and administrative credentials. Those of importance include that of being the Chairmanship Candidate of ACCORD for the 2021 Local Government Election in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State and a House of Representatives Candidate of ACCORD for the Remo Federal Constituency, for the 2025 Bye Election.
Announcing his decision in a statement made available to the press in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Friday, the ACCORD chieftain commended efforts made by the current IPAC leadership, however, noted that the council needs a more focused and inclusive direction, particularly at this time when the state is preparing for its general election in 2027.
“Leadership should be judged by impact, not longevity,” he added. “At a critical moment like this, what is needed in IPAC Ogun State is a leadership that is built on, first of all, loyalty, transparency, integrity, democratic understanding, and unity. We need bridge builders, not wall builders; leaders who listen, not rulers who impose,” he stated
He emphasised that while the present administration made attempts to steer IPAC, the outcome has not sufficiently met the expectations of political stakeholders across the state, stressing that Ogun State cannot afford division or weak coordination among political parties at such a sensitive time in its democratic process.
He said that his decision to contest followed extensive consultations and appeals from the majority of the chairs of political parties in Ogun State, who are worried about the challenges being experienced in IPAC, and urged him to step forward and help put the Council on the right trajectory.
“I never originally wanted this job,” he noted. “But, the deviation from IPAC’s founding principles and the increasing disaffection among party leaders made it imperative for intervention,” he said.
He noted that his ambition to run is a call to service, vowing to make his administration not business as usual.
“This is not just an announcement; it is a mission,” he added. “We are committed to deepening democracy in Ogun State. We are also committed to restoring the image of IPAC in Ogun State. We want an IPAC in Ogun State that believes in unity and in fairness.”
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to the re-positioning of IPAC to be a symbol of democracy by saying: “We will shine the light of accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness into every corner of Ogun State politics, ensuring that IPAC truly serves the collective interest of all political parties and the people of Ogun State.”
