In the build up the 2027 general elections, the forthcoming bye-election presents an opportunity for the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other political parties to show their might in Oyo State.
The polls, billed for Saturday, 16th August, 2025, will provide an opportunity for the voters to fill the vacant position in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
Our correspondent reports that 19 political parties indicated their readiness to contest.
The election is billed to take place in all the 12 electoral wards in the federal constituency.
Some of the areas covered include Bodija, Sango, Mokola, Ijokodo, Yemetu, Oke Aare, Oke Aremo, Oke Sapati and Inanlande.
Others are Oke Itunu, University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Agbowo, Beere, Oje, Agodi Gate, Ikolaba, Bashorun, Idi Ape, Samonda, Okoro, and Sabo.
DAILY POST reports that the election became necessary in view of the death of the last occupant of the seat, Hon Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi.
Akinremi, who was serving his second term in office, died at the age of 51 in July 2024.
Our correspondent reports that until his death, Akinremi was a member of the APC.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a recent stakeholders’ meeting noted that 19 political parties have indicated interest to participate in the election.
However, ahead of the election, only five candidates made the list. No reason was given by the commission for this.
The meeting was held at INEC office in Ibadan, the state capital.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Adeniran Tella emphasized the commission’s commitment to conduct credible and peaceful elections.
However, he reassured stakeholders that all necessary arrangements are now in motion.
“The commission has received some non-sensitive election materials and expects the remaining items, including sensitive materials, to arrive ahead of the poll.
“A total of 19 political parties are expected to participate in the bye-election.
“The success of this bye-election rests on our collective commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. Let us make this a model for future elections,” he said.
INEC releases names of 5 candidates
Our correspondent reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released names of five candidates contesting the forthcoming bye-election.
The names of the five candidates were contained in a release issued by the national secretariat of the electoral body in Abuja.
The document was obtained by DAILY POST on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The five candidates are to contest the election on the platform of their respective political parties, according to the commission.
The five candidates according to the commission include Dexter Femi Akin-Alamu. Akin-Alamu is contesting on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Adewale Haastrup Olatunji is contesting on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
Olabisi Olajumoke Odususi is contesting on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Fola Sunday Oyekunle is contesting on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hammed Badmus is contesting on the platform of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Political parties mobilise, lobby for votes
Our correspondent reports that candidates and their parties have flagged off their campaign processes.
Checks by DAILY POST revealed that the ruling PDP, APC and other political parties have been canvassing for votes from the electorate in the area in the last few days.
Oyo belongs to PDP – Makinde
The State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, while speaking, said that the state belongs to PDP.
Makinde made this declaration during the official flag-off of the PDP campaign and the presentation of the flag to the PDP candidate at Bodija International Market, Ibadan.
Makinde said victory in the August 16 by-election would be proof that Oyo State belongs to PDP and that the people recognise and appreciate good governance.
The governor said, “I want to greet you, the people of Oyo State, especially the people of Ibadan North. You all know that I don’t have a godfather; I only have you, the people.
“Let me tell you that this forthcoming election is very important because we all need to prove a point that Oyo State is a PDP State.
“So, henceforth, when you go about campaigning from ward to ward; house to house, and some people are saying there is another party that can win apart from the PDP, please tell them it won’t happen in Oyo State.
“Our candidate that you will vote for on the 16th, who will go and represent the people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, was once a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and he did well.
“He didn’t disappoint you. I chose him as my Deputy Chief of Staff because of his good track record and antecedents.
“Based on what he has been able to do as my DCoS, we know he would deliver if he goes to Abuja to represent us. That is why we are supporting him”.
Keep faith with our party – APC Chairman
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Pharmacist Olayide Abas has appealed to voters in the federal constituency to use the opportunity of the next month’s bye-election to restate desire for good governance and quality representation by casting their votes for the party’s candidate.
Abas made this statement while receiving the party’s candidate.
He said, “In Ibadan North, we have a sophisticated set of voters who value the best. Since 1999 when we started this Fourth Republic, they have tasted members of both the APC and PDP with the available records clearly showing that only those voted from the progressive parties (AD, ACN and APC) to represent Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber performed well and even beyond expectations.
“Our departed hero, Prince Olaide Akinremi, whose unfortunate transition in 2024 necessitated this distasteful bye-election raised the bar of quality lawmaking and responsible representation as he served until he had his last breath.
“He was from our great Party (APC) and our joy at the moment is that we have another passionate man who will surpass the brilliant records of Akinremi. He is Adewale Olatunji and he is ready to deliver the goods.
“So, we are using the opportunity to make a strong appeal to the electorate in all the 12 Wards of Ibadan North local government area which doubles as a Federal Constituency to resist the antics deceitful political players who are now desperate to present their lackey as the successor to the late Akinremi.
“Ibadan North is too important to be in the hands of someone who would not have a voice on the floor of the House of Representatives on account of being from the opposition”.