With the countdown to the highly anticipated Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election set for August 16, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan North Local Government on Wednesday reaffirmed its unity and commitment to victory.
Party stakeholders, leaders, and faithful turned out in large numbers to receive the consensus candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON, at the party’s weekly meeting held at Yemetu.
The atmosphere was vibrant and symbolic, sending a strong signal to opposition parties as key PDP gladiators and members in the local government displayed a united front in support of Hon. DON.
The event witnessed the presence of party leaders, executives, members, supporters, and political appointees, all gathered to boost the morale and momentum of the PDP ahead of the bye-election.
Speaking on behalf of all the aspirants who willingly stepped down to endorse Hon. Folajimi DON as the consensus candidate, Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Bibire, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, declared that the aspirants were fully aligned and ready to work together to secure victory for the party.
“Our message is clear, we are united, and we are working as one to ensure that the PDP emerges victorious on August 16,” Hon. Bibire said.
“This is a collective mission, and we are determined to deliver.”
The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, lauded party members for their overwhelming support and for speaking with one voice.
He urged them to remain committed and ensure that every polling unit is delivered for the PDP, emphasizing that another electoral win would bring more dividends of democracy to the constituency.
Echoing the optimism, the Oyo State PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Michael Ogunsina, confidently declared that the PDP would defeat all opposition parties on August 16.
He praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his developmental strides across the state, noting that Ibadan North has historically recorded the highest voter turnout in Oyo State and should maintain that legacy.
“Ibadan North has always led the way in delivering massive votes.
Let us continue this tradition and give our consensus candidate, Hon. Folajimi DON, the support he needs to emerge victorious,” Ogunsina stated.
Veteran PDP chieftain, Baba Ismaila Ashipa, also rallied members to throw their weight behind Hon. DON, describing the forthcoming election as a “DON Deal.”
Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun, pledged her unwavering support for the candidate, urging women and youth across the constituency to mobilize and vote en masse for the PDP.
In his address, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON expressed heartfelt gratitude to the party leadership, executives, and members for the massive turnout and unwavering support.
“I am deeply honored by this show of love and solidarity,” DON said.
“If given the mandate, my representation will bring sporadic development to the federal constituency, and I will not let you down. Let us make it a DON Deal.”
As part of his commitment, Hon. Folajimi DON donated ₦1.8 million to support transportation for party faithful from Wards 1 to 12.
The event also featured the official presentation and celebration of Comrade Mustapha as the new Acting Chairman of the PDP in Ibadan North Local Government.
In his remarks, he thanked members for their confidence in him and pledged to lead the party to another landslide victory.
The meeting ended on a high note with cultural excitement as renowned Fuji musician from Ibadan North, Sedorado, entertained the crowd with his melodious performance, adding to the celebratory mood of what many described as a powerful display of party unity.
As the PDP gears up for the bye-election, the energy and solidarity shown at Wednesday’s meeting underscore a formidable campaign, with Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON emerging as a unifying force poised to reclaim the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat for the party.
