In a rare display of unity and political maturity, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan North Local Government has settled for a single, formidable voice ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives bye-election—Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, widely known as DON.
The decision, reached through a carefully coordinated consensus process, marks a new chapter in the party’s journey toward consolidating its dominance in Oyo State politics. At the heart of this strategic alignment was a crucial meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde, who played a pivotal role in guiding discussions among the seven aspirants who initially vied for the party’s ticket.
Before the final endorsement, all seven aspirants had earlier convened with party stakeholders in Ibadan North to affirm their willingness to abide by a transparent and inclusive selection process. Their commitment to unity over personal ambition laid the groundwork for the outcome that followed.
The aspirants included:
- Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire (Ward 1)
- Hon. Kabiru Salami De-Bomba (Ward 2)
- Hon. Waheed Akanbi Biro (Ward 3)
- Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON (Ward 4)
- Hon. Lanre Sarumi (Ward 7)
- Hon. Kamorudeen Oladimeji Olayinka (Ward 8)
- Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami (Ward 10)
- Hon. Matthew Alani Oyeniyi (Ward 12)
At the final harmonization meeting held with Governor Makinde, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON—currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor—emerged as the consensus candidate, backed unanimously by the other aspirants.
Demonstrating uncommon party loyalty and political sportsmanship, the other aspirants voluntarily stepped down and pledged their full support to DON’s candidacy, reinforcing the PDP’s collective resolve to win the bye-election decisively.
The meeting also had in attendance top PDP stakeholders such as former Deputy Governor Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor Chief Bayo Lawal, Oyo PDP Secretary Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, and respected elder Baba Ismail Ashipa—all of whom lauded the peaceful resolution and praised the aspirants for placing the party’s interest above personal ambition.
With this development, the PDP in Ibadan North enters the bye-election season with a united and fortified front, ready to reclaim and retain its mandate at the federal level.
