Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has said victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives by-election, taking place on 16 August, 2025, will be a proof that the state belongs to the party.
He stated this in Ibadan on Monday at a campaign rally and presentation of the PDP flag to the party’s candidate for the by-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Honourable Folajimi Oyekunle (aka Don).
Governor Makinde, who led the campaign trail, called on residents of Ibadan North Local Government Area to come out en masse and vote for the PDP candidate in the by-election.
Makinde, during the campaign rally, held at the Bodija International Market, Ibadan, said victory for PDP in the by-election would be an affirmation of the good governance that have been going on in the state in the past six years.
He appreciated the people of Oyo State and Ibadan North Federal Constituency for their support since the inception of his administration.
He added that victory in the August 16 by-election would be proof that Oyo State belonged to PDP and that the people recognised and appreciate good governance.
The governor further described Oyekunle as the right candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency for the by-election.
He added that his experience as a former member of the House of Assembly and his contributions to success of the state government, having served as Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS), would combine to give the constituency the expected good representation.
“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 (DCoS) 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 Area, 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, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; the member representing Ibadan North I State Constituency, Hon Gabriel Babajide and a former member of the House of Representatives and chairman, 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, Chief Bayo Lawal; the member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon Stanley Olajide; Oyo PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; commissioners and chairmen of Boards, among other dignitaries.
