In politics, loyalty is the compass that keeps a party from losing its way, and commitment is the fuel that drives it forward. For the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo South, both qualities converge in one man — Hon. Mathew Oye Oyerinmade, fondly known as MATO.
Long before his formal declaration at the APC secretariat in Akure, MATO had already walked the length and breadth of Ondo South. He toured the six local governments — Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese‑Odo, Irele, Odigbo, and Ileoluji‑Okeigbo — visiting all 66 wards. At each stop, leaders, stakeholders, and executives endorsed him, affirming that his loyalty to the party and his commitment to the people make him the stabilising force the district needs.
When he finally stood before the state leadership in Akure, his words carried the weight of that journey. He reaffirmed his intention to contest, dispelling rumors of withdrawal: “I remain fully in contention for the party’s ticket.” Yet he spoke not only of ambition but of unity, declaring: “I am not opposed to a consensus arrangement. Even if it does not favor me, I will support the outcome in the interest of the party.”
That is the mark of true loyalty. In a climate where many aspirants see consensus as a threat, MATO embraces it as a tool for cohesion. His confidence is not arrogance; it is rooted in his popularity, his grassroots structures, and his proven track record.
Stakeholders recall his runner‑up finish in the 2022 APC senatorial primary, a contest that tested his resilience and revealed his deep roots in the party. Rather than retreat, he consolidated his structures, expanded his reach, and built stronger relationships across Ondo South. His loyalty has been tested, his commitment proven, and his popularity is undeniable.
Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, the APC State Chairman, praised MATO’s extensive political profile, describing him as a credible and longstanding progressive who has contributed meaningfully to the growth and stability of the party. That recognition, combined with the endorsements from six local governments and MATO’s own words of humility, makes a compelling case: he is not just another aspirant, he is the natural choice.
As one elder put it: “We cannot afford to gamble with this seat. MATO is the people’s compass, the candidate whose loyalty to the party and commitment to the people make him the natural choice for Ondo South.”
The path forward for APC in Ondo South is clear. In 2027, the party needs a candidate whose loyalty is proven, whose commitment is unwavering, and whose popularity is rooted in the people. That candidate is MATO.
