By our reporter
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reclaimed political dominance in Ibadan North Federal Constituency after its candidate, Folajinmi Oyekunle, secured a resounding victory in Saturday’s by-election.
Announcing the results at the collation centre in Ikolaba High School, Ibadan, the Returning Officer, Professor Abiodun Oluwadare of the University of Ibadan, declared Oyekunle winner with 18,404 votes.
His closest rival, Adewale “Murphy” Olatunji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 8,312 votes, while other contestants, Femi Akin-Alamu of the ADC and Olabisi Olajumoke of the APGA, managed just 88 and 40 votes respectively.
The by-election followed the death of APC lawmaker, Musiliu Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban, on July 10, 2024. Oyekunle’s win marks the PDP’s first return to the seat since 2011, a milestone party leaders and supporters are hailing as a major breakthrough.
Despite the historic outcome, the poll was marred by low voter turnout, with INEC officials reporting sparse participation across the 12 wards of the constituency.
Still, Oyekunle’s landslide victory signals a shift in political momentum in Ibadan North, potentially reshaping the balance of power in Oyo State ahead of future contests.
