Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Dada Awoleye, has congratulated Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as Don, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on his landslide victory in the just concluded Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.
In his goodwill message, Awoleye, who once represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency (2011–2019), described Oyekunle’s victory as “well deserved,” noting that it reflects the will of the people and their yearning for responsive representation.
The outcome of the election according to Awoleye, showed the electorate’s confidence in PDP’s structure and Oyekunle’s ability to deliver effective leadership in the Green Chamber.
He commended voters in Ibadan North for coming out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility despite the challenges associated with by-elections.
“This victory is not only yours but that of the good people of Ibadan North who have spoken loudly and clearly with their votes.
“It is equally a call to service, and I believe Hon. Oyekunle, with his experience in the 9th Oyo state House of Assembly, will justify the trust reposed in him,” Awoleye stated.
The former lawmaker also congratulated Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and the leadership of the PDP in Oyo State for what he described as “a well-coordinated electoral success.
He added that the win has further strengthened the party’s dominance in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that it would be political naivety for any politician in the state regardless of political affinity to undermine the popularity and influence of governor Makinde, who he described as the engineer of the modern Oyo state.
Contrary to the gale of defection that was recorded in recent times, Awoleye noted that Oyo state PDP is poised to reclaim all the three senatorial districts and all 14 federal constituencies come 2027.
He explained that governor Makinde has proved to Nigerians that leadership in governance should not be misconstrued for challenges of a party which he noted are always capitalized on by opposition party to gain membership.
He urged the newly elected lawmaker to prioritize youth empowerment, education, and infrastructural development within the constituency, while also calling for an inclusive approach that would benefit both party members and non-partisan residents of Ibadan North.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Hon. Oyekunle Don of the PDP as the winner of the Ibadan North by-election after securing an overwhelming majority of votes against other contenders, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Adewale Olatunji.