The recent vacancy in the Ibadan North federal constituency of the House of Representatives has sparked considerable interest, with no fewer than 20 individuals expressing their intention to vie for the position. This vacancy arose following the passing of Honourable Musiliu Akinremi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 10. Akinremi, who was serving as the Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, was laid to rest at his residence the day after his death. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to announce the date for the bye-election after the conclusion of the governorship election scheduled for November 16 in Ondo State.
As they prepare for the election, various aspirants are actively seeking the support of local leaders, stakeholders, and members of their respective parties. This outreach includes financial contributions to their constituencies, often under various pretenses, along with promises aimed at garnering goodwill from constituents and party members. Notably, the race for support has been more pronounced among aspirants from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party, while candidates from other parties are primarily awaiting INEC’s official announcement to signal the start of the election process.
Among the APC aspirants, there is a particularly notable crowd featuring prominent figures such as Honourable Segun Olaleye, a former Oyo State House of Assembly member; Mr. Umar Arisekola-Alao, a previous commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state; and several others ranging from entrepreneurs to former local government officials. The list incorporates names like Adewale Akinremi and Taofeek Aderogba, showcasing the party’s broad base of candidates. Reports suggest that the APC leadership may opt for a direct primary to decide the party’s candidate for the upcoming election, reflecting a competitive internal race.
In the PDP arena, there is an equally robust group of aspirants. Notable candidates include Mr. Lanre Sarumi, who previously lost to Akinremi in the last election, as well as Honourable Dada Awoleye, a former representative of the same constituency. Additional candidates vying for the PDP ticket include Deputy Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, Honourable Fola Oyekunle, and Mr. Taiwo Lekan-Salami, who was a contender in the 2023 elections. There is anticipation among party members that the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde, who is perceived as the party leader, will significantly impact who secures the PDP nomination for the upcoming election.
The Labour Party also enters the fray with Femi Akin Dexter-Alamu, its previous candidate for the same seat in the last election, expressing interest in continuing his political ambitions. As the political landscape evolves, Arnold candidates are aligning themselves with party strategies and gauging the preferences of constituents to enhance their chances of success. Supporters of the Labour Party believe that they could pose a meaningful challenge, particularly given the popularity of the party in the state amidst concerns regarding the APC’s unity.
With numerous aspirants across different parties, the stage is set for a competitive bye-election in Ibadan North. While political maneuvering and investment in community relations appear to be commonplace tactics for securing support, the implications of party leadership and electoral strategies will be critical in determining who eventually emerges as the successor to the late Akinremi. As the candidates ramp up their campaigns and voter engagement, the future of the constituency hangs in balance as constituents await the INEC to set the official election date and confirm the race parameters. The varying dynamics among parties and candidates reflect the complex and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics as they gear up for what could be a defining electoral moment in the region.
