…Governor mobilises support for by-election candidate, Folajimi Oyekunl
Olayinka Akinpelu
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has boldly declared that no political party apart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands a chance of winning elections in the state.
Governor Makinde made this statement on Monday at the campaign flag-off for the PDP’s House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, in the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.
Addressing party loyalists and market traders at the bustling Bodija Market, the governor called on the people to come out en masse to vote for the PDP and send a strong message that Oyo remains firmly in the grip of the ruling party.
“This forthcoming election is very important because we all need to prove a point that Oyo State is a PDP State,” Makinde said.
“So, when you go about campaigning from ward to ward; house to house, and some people are saying there is another party that can win apart from the PDP, please tell them it won’t happen in Oyo State.”
Makinde described Hon. Oyekunle, the PDP candidate, as a tested and trusted politician with a proven record of service.
He recalled Oyekunle’s performance as a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and praised his contributions as Deputy Chief of Staff in the current administration.
“Our candidate was once an honourable member and he did not disappoint you. I made him my Deputy Chief of Staff because of his track record and antecedents.
He has proven himself and we are confident that if he represents us in Abuja, he will deliver,” the governor affirmed.
The rally, which drew a massive crowd, was also attended by key government officials and party stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor, Barr.
Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarunmi; lawmakers Hon. Adebayo Babajide and Hon. Olufunke Comforter; and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Adeniyi Kazeem Bibire.
Others at the event included the State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, commissioners, aides, and a large number of party supporters who turned out in what many observers described as a strong display of PDP dominance ahead of the by-election.
Governor Makinde stressed that victory in the August poll would not only reaffirm PDP’s political control but also ensure that the people of Ibadan North enjoy quality representation and meaningful development in the years ahead.
