The next bye-election offers the All Progressives Congress, APC, PDP, and the Peoples Democratic Party a chance to demonstrate their strength in Oyo State ahead of the general elections in 2027.
Voters will have the chance to fill the open seat in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency at the polls scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
According to our journalist, 19 political parties said they would be willing to run.
The election is scheduled to occur in each of the federal constituency’s twelve electoral wards.
Bodija, Sango, Mokola, Ijokodo, Yemetu, Oke Aare, Oke Aremo, Oke Sapati, and Inanlande are a few of the places that are covered.
Others are Oke Itunu, University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Agbowo, Beere, Oje, Agodi Gate, Ikolaba, Bashorun, Idi Ape, Samonda, Okoro, and Sabo.
The Intercept 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 the 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 The Intercept 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.
Dexter Femi Akin-Alamu is one of the five candidates listed by the commission. Akin-Alamu is running on the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) platform.
On behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adewale Haastrup Olatunji is running for office.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is the platform Olabisi Olajumoke Odususi is running on.
On the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform, Fola Sunday Oyekunle is running for office.
Hammed Badmus is running on the Zenith Labour Party’s (ZLP) platform.
Parties mobilise and advocate for votes.
Candidates and their parties have flagged off their campaign procedures, according to our reporter.
The ruling PDP, APC, and other political parties have been urging the local electorate to vote in recent days, according to a check.
Oyo belongs to PDP – Makinde
Engineer Seyi Makinde, the state governor, stated during his speech that the state is part of the PDP.
Makinde made this statement at the Bodija International Market in Ibadan, where the PDP campaign officially kicked off and the flag was presented to the party’s candidate.
A win in the August 16 by-election, according to Makinde, will demonstrate that Oyo State is a part of the PDP and that the populace values and recognises excellent government.
“I want to greet you, Oyo State people, especially those of Ibadan North,” the governor stated. I have you, the people, as my only godfather, as you are all aware.
“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
Pharmacist Olayide Abas, the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, has urged voters in the federal constituency to vote for the party’s candidate in the upcoming bye-election to reaffirm their desire for quality representation and good governance.
When Abas received the party’s candidate, he said this.
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”.
