The Senate on Wednesday screened Senator Jimoh Ibrahim following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a non-career ambassador.
Senator Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District, appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs as part of the confirmation process for ambassadorial nominees.
He is among 68 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees announced last week by the President and forwarded to the National Assembly for screening.
His session before the committee, chaired by former Niger State Governor Senator Sani Bello, marked the start of his legislative vetting.
The atmosphere in the chamber was lively as the businessman-turned-lawmaker presented his Curriculum Vitae and gave a brief account of his career.
In line with the Senate’s tradition for serving and former lawmakers, Senator Ibrahim was asked to “take a bow,” drawing applause from colleagues.
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President Tinubu’s ambassadorial list, which includes career diplomats and non-career nominees such as Senator Ibrahim, is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad.
Senator Ibrahim will be required to vacate his Senate seat in accordance with Section 68(1)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a development that has triggered political positioning in Ondo South ahead of the 2027 elections.
While no major contenders have formally declared for the seat, consultations and political maneuvering are underway, with aspirants quietly positioning themselves for a potential contest.
Potential candidates include former political heavyweights, ex-lawmakers, technocrats seeking political entry, and grassroots mobilisers preparing for the race.
Among those reportedly considering the contest are Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Barrister Morayo Lebi, former APC senatorial aspirant Akinfolarin Mayowa, ex-House of Representatives member Mathew Oye Oyerinmade (MATO), and former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.
Others include former Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker Jumoke Akindele, former Chief Press Secretary to a past governor, Eniola Akinsola, Boye Oyewumi, Diran Iyantan, and Otunba Kayode Fakuyi, among several others.
