The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as Don, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the keenly contested Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.
The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Abiodun Oluwadare of the University of Ibadan, made the declaration on Saturday at the Collation Centre located in Ikolaba High School, Ibadan.
According to the results announced by INEC, Hon. Oyekunle polled 18,404 votes, defeating his closest rival, Hon. Adewale Olatunji (Murphy) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 8,312 votes.
With this victory, Hon. Oyekunle will officially replace the late lawmaker, Hon. Musiliu Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban), whose death created the vacancy and necessitated the bye-election.
The outcome has been hailed as a significant milestone for the PDP, marking the party’s successful reclamation of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat for the first time since 2011.
Supporters of the party thronged the streets in jubilation shortly after the announcement, describing the result as a “coast-to-coast victory” that reaffirms the PDP’s popularity in Oyo State.