A pro-Tinubu youth group in Ondo State, the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance, has endorsed former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Catherine Odu, for the Ondo South Senatorial District seat amid ongoing political realignments in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement follows reports that current Senator Jimoh Ibrahim may be nominated for an ambassadorial role to the United Nations, a development that could create a vacancy in the Senate.
Speaking at a press briefing in Akure, the group’s State Coordinator, Samuel Olopade, expressed strong support for Odu, describing her as a “remarkable leader and exemplary public servant” with a proven record in governance, education, and women development.
Olopade stated that Odu’s background in sociology, industrial relations, and law positions her strongly for national leadership, adding that her career reflects deep experience in public administration.
Princess Catherine Odu has previously served in several key roles, including Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Federal Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, and later became the first female Secretary to the Ondo State Government.
According to the group, her track record in these offices demonstrated reforms focused on institutional development, improved education systems, and grassroots empowerment.
They highlighted her achievements in education reform, noting her role in strengthening educational administration and expanding access to quality learning, while also praising her advocacy for women’s participation in governance during her time as Commissioner for Women Affairs.
The group argued that her extensive experience across state and federal levels makes her well suited to represent Ondo South effectively in the National Assembly at a time the district needs seasoned leadership.
Olopade also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to support Odu as a consensus candidate for the Senate seat, describing her candidacy as aligned with inclusive governance.
He further called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to back her aspiration, adding that it would strengthen efforts toward increased female representation in elective positions.
The group also urged APC stakeholders and residents of Ondo South to rally behind Odu, stressing that her leadership embodies integrity, accountability, and development-focused governance.
