PDP candidate Oyekunle secured a total of 18,404 votes, defeating his closest rival, Adewale Olatunji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 8,312 votes.
In a closely watched electoral contest, Folajimi Oyekunle, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Ibadan North federal constituency by-election, consolidating his party’s influence in the region.
The returning officer for the election, Abiodun Oluwadare, officially announced the results in Ibadan during the early hours of Sunday.
According to Mr. Oluwadare, Oyekunle secured a total of 18,404 votes, defeating his closest rival, Adewale Olatunji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 8,312 votes.
Other contestants in the election recorded relatively low support. Femi Akin-Alamu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 88 votes, Olabisi Olajumoke of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) received 40 votes, while Hammed Badmus of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) garnered 18 votes.
Mr. Oluwadare confirmed that, having met all the legal requirements, Oyekunle is duly declared the winner of the by-election.
The Ibadan North federal constituency seat fell vacant following the untimely passing of the former APC lawmaker, Olaide Akinremi, on July 10.
The by-election was therefore necessitated to fill the vacancy and ensure continued representation for the people of the constituency in the National Assembly.
Political observers had closely monitored the contest, noting that the election was a significant test for both the PDP and the APC ahead of upcoming general elections.
Analysts believe that Oyekunle’s victory reflects the electorate’s confidence in his campaign promises and the PDP’s renewed strategies in the region.
The election process was reported to have been largely peaceful, with voters turning out in large numbers to cast their ballots.
Security agencies were deployed to polling units to maintain order and ensure a free and credible electoral exercise.
Party supporters and residents of Ibadan North have since congratulated Oyekunle, expressing optimism that his tenure will prioritize the development and welfare of the constituency.
With the official declaration of results, Oyekunle is expected to be sworn in as the new representative of Ibadan North in the House of Representatives in the coming weeks.