As the political temperature rises ahead of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-election slated for August 16, one thing has become increasingly clear: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State is setting the standard, not just in governance, but in empathy, integrity, and the kind of leadership that truly connects with the people.
This reality was powerfully reaffirmed during the one-year remembrance of the late Hon. Musiliu Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban, a lawmaker who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his untimely demise.
While many would have expected the APC to lead the event in full honour of their departed comrade, the reverse was the case.
In a striking show of maturity, political decency, and compassion, it was the PDP not the APC that dominated the venue.
Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, several PDP council chairmen, and special advisers all of whom came together not for political gain, but to honour a man whose impact transcended party lines.
Notably, while the PDP filled the hall with love and respect, the APC side was sparsely represented, with only a few loyalists such as Hon. Joshua Atiku and Hon. Afeez Repete in attendance.
The glaring absence of APC’s serving federal lawmakers from Oyo State most of whom were close colleagues of the late Jagaban speaks volumes.
Despite having about eight federal representatives from the state, not one deemed it necessary to attend, send a letter of condolence, or even publish a tribute in the newspapers.
Their absence, unfortunately, reinforces a troubling truth: the APC appears more concerned with political positioning and internal power tussles than with preserving the legacies of their fallen heroes.
While APC aspirants remain locked in fierce battles in Abuja over the party’s ticket ahead of the bye-election, PDP leaders were present on the ground connecting with the people, honouring the deceased, and reminding Ibadan North residents what true leadership looks like.
In a symbolic gesture that further underscores the PDP’s sense of humanity and respect, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has renamed the Trans Amusement Park Estate to Akinremi Olaide Jagaban Estate, with plans for its commissioning underway.
Additionally, the PDP-led administration in Ibadan North Local Government has named the locked-up shops and motor park at Bodija Market after Hon. Musiliu Olaide Akinremi Jagaban
This singular act has immortalized the contributions of the late lawmaker in a way his own party failed to do.
It is this kind of politics with empathy that resonates with the people of Ibadan North.
The people are watching and they are deciding.
Once again, the PDP has proven that it is not a party that plays politics with everything.
It is a party that prioritizes humanity over propaganda a party that sees beyond elections and embraces the responsibility of preserving legacies, showing compassion, and standing with the people, both in life and in death.
As the bye-election draws closer, the people of Ibadan North are poised to vote not just for a political party, but for the values it represents.
At a time when many seek power for power’s sake, the PDP has demonstrated that it seeks power to serve, uplift, and honour.
That is why the PDP candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON, is widely seen as the people’s choice because he represents a party that leads with the heart.
Ismaila Kolawole writes from Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
