APC rejects outcome of Ibadan North by-election, alleges irregularities

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s by-election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, alleging that the exercise was marred by irregularities.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the poll, defeating the APC candidate, Hon. Adewale Olatunji, and other contenders.

In a statement issued on Monday, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the election as lacking credibility, likening it to what he called the “do-or-die” era of the PDP under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Sadare alleged that electoral officers and security personnel compromised their duties, enabling widespread malpractices across polling units. He accused PDP leaders of engaging in vote-buying, while some INEC officials allegedly allowed individuals without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to cast their ballots.

According to him, a PDP stalwart was caught attempting to manipulate the process in Ward 07 but was later released by security agents. He further alleged that operatives of the Park Management System (PMS) mobilised armed thugs to intimidate voters in areas such as Yemetu, Alli-Iwo, Bodija, Sango, Mokola, and Agbowo.

“These fierce-looking men openly moved around during voting, unleashing terror on residents and obstructing the electoral process without consequence,” Sadare said.

He disclosed that the APC was compiling detailed reports of the alleged infractions and would announce its final position in due course.

Meanwhile, he urged party members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the leadership would pursue all legitimate options to ensure justice.