Engr. Saheed Adeyemi Oladele, popularly known as SAO, secured a landslide victory in the direct primary for the Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency in Ibarapa North Local Government Area on Saturday.
The exercise in Ibarapa North was largely peaceful, with delegates and party members turning out in significant numbers at designated voting centres. The process was conducted in an orderly and violence-free atmosphere, supported by adequate security arrangements that ensured smooth proceedings without reported disruptions.
Results from Ibarapa North showed Oladele winning with an overwhelming majority. Party stakeholders attributed the margin to what they described as a unanimous endorsement from traditional leaders and political heavyweights across Ibarapaland, who had publicly backed the Ayete-born candidate ahead of the vote.
Stakeholders cited Oladele’s track record, accessibility, and commitment to tackling challenges in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment as key factors behind the grassroots support. Many described the outcome as a reflection of consensus in Ibarapa North.
The situation was less clear in Ibarapa Central. While some accounts described a properly conducted direct primary, others said the process adopted a consensus arrangement or involved parallel exercises. The conflicting reports have raised questions about the legitimacy of the proceedings in that local government, with some party members and observers pointing to procedural irregularities.
Party officials have not yet issued a comprehensive statement reconciling the outcomes from both local governments. With collation and declaration still pending, attention in Ibarapaland is focused on how the party leadership will address the discrepancies in Ibarapa Central while building on the peaceful outcome in Ibarapa North.
Oladele’s strong showing in Ibarapa North has positioned him favourably ahead of the 2027 general elections. Supporters say the mandate could significantly influence the overall candidacy for the Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency.
Further updates on the harmonization of results and the party’s final position are expected in the coming days.
