As political activities intensify across Nigeria in preparation for the 2027 general elections, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, who represents the Ondo North Senatorial District, has reaffirmed that performance and service delivery not political entitlement should determine whether lawmakers return to office. Addressing journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Senator Ipinsagba made it clear that elected officials must be held accountable to the electorate, and re-election should be earned, not awarded automatically.
The senator, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Public Affairs, underscored the critical role of constituents in determining the political fate of lawmakers. He emphasized that those who have made real, visible impacts in their constituencies stand a better chance of being re-elected. “Performance should be the yardstick. It’s not about noise; it’s about results and visible impact,” he stated, urging political parties and stakeholders to promote merit-based candidacy rather than recycled representation.
Senator Ipinsagba also threw his weight behind the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has distanced itself from the idea of granting automatic return tickets to serving lawmakers. He described rumours to the contrary as baseless political speculation. “As a procedural person, I don’t believe in things that aren’t documented. There’s no official decision anywhere granting automatic tickets,” he said, reinforcing the APC’s stance that all aspirants must earn their ticket through competitive democratic processes.
Reflecting on his own record, the Ondo North lawmaker highlighted numerous constituency projects and programmes across the six local government areas he represents. He cited notable interventions in infrastructure, education, and healthcare as part of his achievements in his two years at the National Assembly. Senator Ipinsagba revealed that efforts are nearing completion for the approval of a proposed ICT Centre in Ikare-Akoko. Once operational, the centre will serve as a hub for digital literacy, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition, addressing a critical gap in technology access and economic inclusion in the region.
In addition to constituency development, Senator Ipinsagba also weighed in on national issues, particularly the ongoing debate around restructuring. He expressed support for the proposed creation of Ose State from the current Ondo State, describing it as a necessary step toward improving governance, equity, and resource allocation. The bill proposing the new state has already passed first reading at the House of Representatives. Senator Ipinsagba assured that when the bill comes before the Senate, it would receive the necessary legislative attention and that the voices of the people would be effectively represented.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is evolving rapidly, with growing calls for electoral reform, credible representation, and responsible governance. The senator’s firm position that electoral success should be based on performance rather than incumbency aligns with broader national demands for accountability and transformation within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
As Nigerians continue to scrutinise their representatives ahead of the 2027 elections, the debate over automatic tickets versus merit-based re-election is likely to shape internal party dynamics and voter expectations. Senator Ipinsagba’s remarks contribute to this critical discourse and highlight the need for a people-focused, performance-driven political culture in Nigeria’s democratic process.