As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the upcoming bye-election in Oyo State has become a key battleground for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political groups to demonstrate their political strength.
The election, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, will decide who fills the vacant Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat.
Reports show that 19 political parties initially expressed interest in contesting for the position.
The bye-election will be held across all 12 electoral wards in the constituency.
Communities involved include Bodija, Sango, Mokola, Ijokodo, Yemetu, Oke Aare, Oke Aremo, Oke Sapati, and Inanlande.
Other parts of the constituency are Oke Itunu, the University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Agbowo, Beere, Oje, Agodi Gate, Ikolaba, Bashorun, Idi Ape, Samonda, Okoro, and Sabo.
The election became necessary after the death of Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi, the former representative, in July 2024 at the age of 51.
Akinremi, who was serving his second term, was a member of the APC until his passing.
During a recent stakeholders’ meeting, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that 19 political parties had shown interest, but only five candidates made it onto the final list. No explanation was given for this reduction.
The meeting, held at INEC’s Ibadan office, had the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adeniran Tella, assuring participants that the poll would be credible and peaceful.
He revealed that some election materials had already arrived, with the rest expected before voting day. Dr. Tella also stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, calling on everyone to work together to make the election a model for future polls.
INEC later released the names of the five approved candidates for the contest.
According to the electoral body’s statement from Abuja, the candidates are: Dexter Femi Akin-Alamu (African Democratic Congress – ADC), Adewale Haastrup Olatunji (All Progressives Congress – APC), Olabisi Olajumoke Odususi (All Progressives Grand Alliance – APGA), Fola Sunday Oyekunle (Peoples Democratic Party – PDP), and Hammed Badmus (Zenith Labour Party – ZLP).
Campaign activities have since kicked off, with major parties like the PDP and APC actively canvassing for votes.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has openly declared that Oyo is a PDP stronghold.
Speaking at the PDP’s campaign flag-off in Bodija International Market, the governor urged residents to vote for the party’s candidate, describing him as a proven leader who had previously served in the state assembly and as his Deputy Chief of Staff. Makinde said a win on August 16 would prove the state’s loyalty to the PDP.
He urged party members to campaign vigorously, dismissing the chances of any other party winning in the state.
On the other side, APC’s state chairman, Pharmacist Olayide Abas, called on voters to remain loyal to the party, stressing that Ibadan North voters have historically supported “progressive” parties that deliver results.
Abas praised the late Akinremi’s legacy and expressed confidence that their candidate, Adewale Olatunji, would surpass his achievements.
He also warned against electing a candidate who would be ineffective in representing the constituency at the national level, urging voters in all 12 wards to reject opposition parties.
