The People’s Democratic Party [PDP] in Ibadan North Local Government of Oyo State has slammed the All Progressives Congress [APC] in the state over its ‘inability to coordinate itself ahead of the forthcoming bye-election in Ibadan North federal constituency’’, warning APC against turning the state into a war zone.
The Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] has scheduled the bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency to August 16, 2025 following the death of the representative of the constituency in 2024, Akinremi Olayide.
To fill candidates for the vacant seat, parties have been conducting primaries. However, there have been accusations and counter-accusations between opposing forces within the APC in the state on who would be the candidate of the party.
The acting chairman, Ibadan North of the PDP, Mustapha Ademuyiwa, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan,expressed concern over crisis in APC , saying the party’s inability to find a suitable candidate to represent their party is a sad reality and a testament to their lack of internal democracy and proper coordination.
The statement read: “Today’s delegate congress, scheduled to elect voters for the primaries, was marred by violence and allegations of imposed candidates — a clear indication that APC leadership has lost control of the party’s grassroots. It is becoming increasingly evident that the APC’s house is in disarray, and their struggle to find a credible representative only confirms the party’s dwindling relevance in Oyo state.
‘’The people of Ibadan North have repeatedly expressed their preference for Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, a distinguished former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly whose record speaks for itself.
“His commitment to good governance and his close alignment with Governor Seyi Makinde’s popular and effective leadership have earned him overwhelming support across the constituency”.
The PDP therefore challenged the APC to quickly put their house in order if they hope to present a credible contest and not turn Oyo State into a war zone.
“Failure to do so will only confirm that this election is not a fair fight but a foregone conclusion — a victory for the people’s choice, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle.
“We call on all well-meaning citizens of Ibadan North to stand with PDP as we continue to push for progress, unity, and credible representation’’, it added.
