Governor Seyi Makinde hires SAN Tunji Ogunrinde to defend PDP’s victory in Ibadan North by-election as SDP challenges the poll at the tribunal.
The Ibadan North by-election has become a major political battleground as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, mobilizes top legal minds to defend the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Hon. Sunday Oyekunle Folajimi, before the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan.
The move follows a petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) challenging the PDP’s victory in the Ibadan North by-election held on August 16, 2025.
The SDP, dissatisfied with the conduct of the poll, filed petition EPT/OY/HR/01/2025, alleging irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.
The party urged the tribunal to nullify the election, cancel Folajimi’s declaration as winner, and order a fresh or supplementary election in affected polling units across the federal constituency.
SDP’s Grounds for Challenge
In its petition, the SDP alleged that the Ibadan North by-election was fraught with irregularities, including over-voting, improper collation of results, and voter accreditation lapses.
The party accused officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of breaching procedural guidelines, thereby compromising the credibility of the election.
The SDP claimed that the violations were significant enough to affect the final outcome and render the PDP’s victory invalid. It asked the tribunal to set aside the result and compel INEC to organize a new election in the disputed polling units.
Makinde’s Legal Response and PDP’s Confidence
In a robust reply, PDP’s lead counsel, Tunji Ogunrinde (SAN), filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the competence of the SDP’s petition.
Ogunrinde maintained that the petitioner failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, making the case legally defective.
He described the petition as frivolous, baseless, and vexatious, urging the tribunal to dismiss it with substantial cost. Ogunrinde further argued that Hon. Folajimi’s election was conducted in full compliance with the law and reflected the true will of the electorate in the Ibadan North by-election.
Governor Makinde’s decision to engage a team of legal experts led by a Senior Advocate underscores his administration’s determination to defend the PDP’s mandate and uphold electoral justice in Oyo State.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Election Petition Tribunal emphasized the importance of cooperation between all parties and counsels to ensure fair and timely proceedings.
After preliminary arguments, the tribunal adjourned the matter to Thursday, October 16, 2025, for further hearing.
The proceedings drew significant public attention, with supporters of both parties attending in large numbers.
Observers note that the case outcome could influence Oyo State’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts believe the tribunal case over the Ibadan North by-election has implications beyond the constituency itself. For Governor Makinde, the case is an opportunity to reaffirm the PDP’s political dominance and demonstrate his administration’s respect for lawful processes.
Supporters of the PDP have expressed optimism that the tribunal will uphold their victory, describing the SDP’s petition as an attempt to undermine the people’s choice.
Meanwhile, SDP loyalists insist their challenge is rooted in the pursuit of fairness and transparency.
Political commentators assert that whichever way the tribunal rules, the decision will set a legal precedent for future by-elections and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The Ibadan North by-election thus stands as a test case for electoral integrity and judicial independence.
Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently championed transparency and accountability in governance.
His administration’s involvement in defending the Ibadan North by-election result is viewed as part of his broader effort to safeguard the democratic mandate of Oyo State voters.
By engaging top-tier legal representation and maintaining a calm, law-abiding stance, Makinde reinforces his image as a leader committed to rule of law, credible elections, and participatory governance.
His approach contrasts sharply with political traditions of intimidation or street-level confrontation, instead emphasizing the strength of institutions over individuals.
The legal contest over the Ibadan North by-election highlights the intersection of law, politics, and public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
As proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the tribunal to deliver a verdict that upholds justice and reflects the true will of the people.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to defend the PDP’s victory not only protects his party’s position but also reinforces his administration’s faith in the judiciary.
The case outcome will undoubtedly influence Oyo State’s political narrative and the broader perception of electoral fairness in Nigeria.
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