As the August 16, 2025, bye-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency draws nearer, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle “DON,” has successfully concluded his ward-to-ward stakeholders’ consultation tour across the 12 wards of the constituency, strengthening grassroots support ahead of the crucial poll.
The final phase of the consultation and engagement tour, which began in Ward 4, the political base of the PDP flag bearer, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON was marked by a massive show of solidarity.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders, artisans, youths, non-indigenes, and community leaders pledged their total support for Hon. Oyekunle, assuring him of a resounding victory on election day.
In response, the candidate promised to deliver quality representation that would “put smiles on their faces.”
Ward 4 stakeholders also commended the sterling representation of Hon. Olufunke Comforter, the Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 1; the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun.
The highlight of the visit was the commissioning of a borehole project executed by Hon. Olufade and commissioned by Hon. Oyekunle DON.
The consultation train then moved to Ward 11, covering the Polytechnic of Ibadan, Samonda, and University of Ibadan communities.
Stakeholders, including student union leaders, traditional rulers, staff, and artisans—presented their developmental needs.
Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON pledged to address their concerns through quality representation while immediately attending to urgent demands such as borehole repairs and the installation of solar street lights.
The community hailed Hon. Babajide Gabriel, the Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, for his exceptional grassroots service and also applauded the leadership of Hon. Olufade, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.
In Ward 12, home to Hon. Babajide Gabriel, the team toured Agbowo and Bodija. Agbowo residents, in their show of loyalty to Hon. Gabriel, declared total support for “whoever Hon. Babajide Gabriel supports,” promising 100% backing for the PDP candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON.
At Bodija, the Baale of Onipako offered prayers for Hon. Oyekunle’s success.
Stakeholders in both areas presented their demands for community development and received assurances from the PDP leadership that the dividends of democracy would reach them.
Moving on to Ward 5, which houses prominent leaders such as Hon. Olufunke Comforter and Hon. Toyin Balogun, stakeholders unanimously endorsed Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Comforter and Hon. Balogun expressed appreciation for the community’s loyalty and assured them of continued impactful representation.
The visit ended with the commissioning of a borehole at Ikolaba, another project facilitated by Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.
At Ward 10, covering Ajibade and University College Hospital (UCH), Hon. Oyekunle met with key influencers, students, staff, and various stakeholders.
The ward stakeholders warmly received the PDP candidate, tabled their requests, and received immediate interventions such as the provision of solar lighting.
Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, the 3SC Chairman, assured Hon. Oyekunle of Ward 10’s total support in the forthcoming election.
The final leg of the consultations was held in Ward 8, the political base of the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade. Residents of Ijokodo, Agbaje, Alaro, and Ilupeju-Sango areas turned out in large numbers to express confidence in Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle’s candidacy.
They commended Hon. Olufade and Hon. Gabriel for their outstanding contributions to community development and pledged to deliver bloc votes on August 16.
A key highlight was the collective donation of ₦2.5 million towards the repair of a faulty transformer in Alaro, with contributions from Hon. Olufade, Hon. Toyin Balogun, Hon. Demola Omotoso, and Hon. Oyekunle himself. Hon. Babajide Gabriel also fulfilled previous electoral promises made to the community.
Several solar street lights were distributed to illuminate the community.
Across all the wards visited, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle expressed heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders for their overwhelming support, promising quality representation and sustainable development when elected.
The candidate’s entourage included:*Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Executive Chairman, Ibadan North LG, Hon. Demola Omotoso, Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation & Campaign DG, Hon. Babajide Gabriel, Member, Oyo State House of Assembly (Ibadan North Constituency 2), Hon. Olufunke Comforter, Member, Oyo State House of Assembly (Ibadan North Constituency 1), Hon. Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion, Hon. Michael Ogunsina, PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Adebowale Falana, Chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Agency & Campaign Secretary, Hamdy Mustapha,Chief of Staff, Ibadan North LG, Hon. Kazeem Oshoniyi – Former Aare Latosa LCDA caretaker Chairman, Hon. Julian Nwachukwu, Ibadan North Local Government PDP Women Leader & SA to the Governor on Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, 3SC Chairman, Comrade Mustapha, Ibadan North Local Government PDP Party chairman, Ibadan North PDP Secretary, Adewumi Adeagbo, Hon. Olusoji Alade, Ibadan North PDP youth leader, Hon. Deji and other PDP stalwarts.
With these strategic consultations concluded, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle “DON” heads into the August 16 bye-election with overwhelming grassroots momentum and the backing of key stakeholders across Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
