🟢 Labour Party: Adejumo‑Bello Steps into the Ring
Labour Party has officially unveiled Adejumo‑Bello as its flag bearer. His emergence represents LP’s ambition to disrupt the traditional dominance of PDP and APC in Ibadan North. Adejumo‑Bello is relatively new in mainstream politics, but LP is counting on the popularity it gained during the 2023 elections and hopes to ride on the wave of youth support and urban dissatisfaction with the status quo.
🟠 ADC: Dexter Akin-Alamu Emerges Unopposed
In a strategic move, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) settled its primary smoothly, with Dr. Dexter Akin-Alamu emerging unopposed after the withdrawal of his opponent, Olaide Aderinto. The primary, held in Mokola, Ibadan, was witnessed by INEC officials and national party executives. Akin-Alamu expressed gratitude to his party and fellow aspirant, promising to sponsor a Social Welfare Bill if elected to address local poverty and empower constituents. His clean, controversy-free selection process has positioned ADC as a disciplined alternative in an increasingly chaotic political space.
🔵 PDP: Folajimi “DON” Oyekunle Taps Into Defection Momentum
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rallied behind Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, widely known as “DON,” as its consensus candidate. Oyekunle is a familiar name in Ibadan North politics and has been re-energized by a wave of grassroots support. PDP recently welcomed several key defectors from the APC, including ex-councilors Adebayo Salami and Rasheed Oladoja, further boosting its chances at the polls. Oyekunle’s candidacy is built on experience, loyalty, and the backing of a PDP machinery that’s eager to reclaim dominance in Oyo State.
🔴 APC: Division, Imposition & Delegate Crisis
While PDP and ADC are consolidating strength, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is neck-deep in internal strife. Reports from party insiders and political watchdogs suggest intense power tussles and alleged plans to impose Wale Murphy, a former Accord Party candidate, as the party’s nominee. He is reportedly backed by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Another name generating backlash is Faruk Arisekola Alao, whose possible candidacy has sparked public protest. Local stakeholders accuse the APC of using handpicked delegates and hotel-based secret meetings to manipulate the process. Aspirants and party elders have condemned the tactics as undemocratic, leading to fears of a voter backlash if the party fails to resolve its internal crisis ahead of the election.
📊 Final Line-Up at a Glance
In what promises to be one of the most hotly contested by-elections in recent Oyo State history, four frontline contenders have emerged.
Adejumo-Bello, representing Labour Party, brings freshness to the ballot and embodies the growing call for change from younger, urban voters. Although he may lack a deeply rooted political structure in Ibadan North, his candidacy symbolizes the LP’s strategy to gain relevance in Oyo politics.
Dr. Dexter Akin-Alamu of ADC stands as a unifying candidate who emerged unopposed in his party’s primary. He’s banking on his commitment to social impact, proposing legislative policies that will address grassroots needs. His calm and clean emergence makes him an appealing candidate to those tired of party squabbles.
Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, aka “DON”, is the consensus pick of the PDP. He brings political experience, a loyal following, and significant momentum from recent defections into the party’s ranks. He appears poised to capitalize on the APC’s internal breakdown to consolidate PDP’s dominance in the region.
Meanwhile, APC is struggling to find its footing. The party is yet to present a universally accepted candidate, with divisions widening between supporters of Water Murphy and Faruk Arisekola Alao. The accusations of backdoor imposition and delegate list manipulation have placed APC in a precarious position just weeks before the election.
📅 INEC’s Commitment to Credibility
INEC has reassured stakeholders that the August 16 bye-election will be free, fair, and credible, despite the rising political tension. With 19 parties cleared to contest, and INEC pledging transparency, the outcome is expected to reflect the will of the people—especially as voters grow more politically aware.
⚡ Why This Matters
Ibadan North is a bellwether seat in Oyo politics, and the outcome could shape future alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The battle reflects national party dynamics—with LP trying to break the duopoly, ADC aiming for local relevance, PDP consolidating power, and APC struggling with internal democracy.
It’s a test of electoral credibility for INEC in a politically charged environment.
💬 Join the Conversation
Who do you think will clinch the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat? Will LP pull a surprise win? Can ADC play spoiler? Will PDP’s unity and grassroots power prevail? Or will APC rise from internal chaos to retain the seat?
📢 Drop your thoughts in the comments!
🔁 Share this with your political circle.
🗓️ Save the date: August 16, 2025 — #IbadanNorthVotes
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