The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the recently concluded Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, Hon. (Sir) Adewale “Murphy” Olatunji, has expressed deep gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters who stood by him during the election, despite the party’s loss at the polls.
In a statement personally signed and released on Wednesday, Olatunji described the by-election as “the audacity of hope,” quoting the Biblical passage from Ecclesiastes 9:11: “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but time and chance happened to them all.”
He commended the leadership of the Oyo State APC under Alhaji (Pharm.) Olayide Abass, the Ibadan North Local Government chapter led by Alhaji Taofik Olayiwola, and the byelection campaign council chaired by Rt. Hon. Akin Alabi.
He also extended his appreciation to the national leadership of the party, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and several National Assembly members.
“Your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and unrelenting passion were the driving force behind our campaign,” Olatunji said, acknowledging the grassroots mobilisation and strategic planning that went into the contest.
The APC candidate also praised the contributions of his family, traditional elders of Ibadanland, community leaders, religious groups, and other stakeholders who invested their time, resources, and influence in his candidacy.
Although the election did not go in his favour, Olatunji insisted that the sacrifice and hard work of his team were not wasted.
“Even though the election was lost, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you, from the campaign chairmen to the committed members, for your invaluable contributions. I salute your hard work, late nights, and early mornings, which have not paid off, by our electoral loss. I, however, acknowledge the great sacrifice we all have made in the race.”
He further paid tribute to fellow aspirants who contested for the position, stressing that political power ultimately comes from God.
“Ultimately, God, as the decider of all things, gives power and position to whosoever He chooses,” he added.
Olatunji assured his supporters that the byelection setback should not be mistaken for the end of his political journey.
“Conclusively, this episode is just a bend and never the end. In the meantime, I salute the courage of all patriots who stood by us while the race lasted. May we continue to work together to build a brighter future for our party, constituency, our dear state, and our great nation, Nigeria. So, help us, God.”
The APC standardbearer concluded his statement by reaffirming his loyalty to the party and commitment to the development of Ibadan North, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
