Governorship hopeful and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has congratulated Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, the PDP candidate who emerged victorious in the Saturday, August 16, by-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
Oyekunle, popularly known as DoN, defeated his closest rival, Hon. Adewale Olatunji Murphy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and four other contenders.
According to the official results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyekunle polled 18,404 votes, while APC’s Murphy garnered 8,312 votes.
Other candidates in the race included Dexter Femi Akin-Alamu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olabisi Olajumoke Odususi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hammed Badmus of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Islamiyat Oluwatoyin Abdulkadir of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The by-election, which recorded 217,980 registered voters across 12 wards and 512 polling units, became necessary following the passing of Hon. Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban, on July 10, 2024.
Reacting to the outcome, Segelu, who is also a Germany-based businessman commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his leadership and strategic role in the PDP’s victory.
“I want to commend the effort of our leader, Governor Oluwaseyi Makinde. He took the best decision, and the outcome of the election has clearly shown the strength of our party. We won with a margin of over 10,000 votes, and that is a significant achievement. I truly commend his leadership, which continues to prove his worth and gives us something to look forward to,” he said.
Segelu also congratulated Oyekunle, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver.
“To the member-elect, Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as DoN, I say congratulations. He is not new in the system, and I believe he will do his best to sustain the victory we are celebrating today,” he added.
The PDP stalwart equally applauded the constituents of Ibadan North, noting their determination to elect a true representative.
“They have demonstrated their capacity and made it clear that they desire true representation. They have voted for their choice, DoN, who has now been declared the winner. Let us all hope and work together to ensure that the people enjoy the true dividends of democracy,” Segelu stated.