Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on residents of Ibadan North Local Government to come out en masse and vote for Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the forthcoming House of Representatives by-election, slated for August 16, 2025.
The governor made the call on Monday during the official flag-off of the PDP campaign and the presentation of the flag to the standard bearer, held at the Bodija International Market, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, while appreciating the people of Oyo State and Ibadan North for their support since the inception of his administration, said victory in the August 16 by-election would be proof that Oyo State belongs to PDP and that the people recognise and appreciate good governance.
He added that Oyekunle is the right candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, as, according to him, his experience as a former Member of the House of Assembly and his contributions to the success of the state government, having served as Deputy Chief of Staff, would combine to give the constituency the expected good representation.
The governor said, “I want to greet you, the people of Oyo State, especially the people of Ibadan North. You all know that I don’t have a godfather; I only have you, the people.
“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.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of the Campaign and former chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Mr Ademola Omotosho, thanked Governor Makinde for his leadership and support for the PDP candidate and the party.
Earlier in their separate remarks, a former deputy governor and PDP chieftain in Ibadan North, Barr Hazeem Gbolarumi; the member representing Ibadan North I State Constituency, Hon Gabriel Babajide; and a former Member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Hon. Dada Abiodun Awoleye, urged market men and women and all residents to mobilise registered voters to vote for the PDP in all the 12 wards of the council.
Similarly, a PDP chieftain in Ibadan North, Alhaji Ismail Ashipa, and the Babaloja of Bodija International Market, Ibadan, Chief Ismael Aderemi Jimoh, charged the people to come out en masse to vote for the PDP candidate.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal; the Member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon Stanley Olajide; Oyo State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; and Commissioners and Chairmen of Boards, among other dignitaries.
