Ibadan North Bye-Election: Oyo APC selects Olatunji as candidate amidst internal crisis

…plays down imposition claims

Adejayan Gbenga –

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has formally presented Adewale Olatunji, popularly known as “Murphy,” as its candidate for the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, putting an end to days of confusion, factional disputes, and protests over the party’s primary.

The selection comes after a chaotic week in which the scheduled July 19 APC primary failed to hold as planned. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its officials were unable to monitor the election due to disorganisation and lack of a valid delegate congress. “All efforts to monitor the APC primary election proved abortive,” INEC said in a report dated July 21, 2025.

The primary process was marred by internal conflict, with multiple aspirants—including Olatunji, Farouk Arisekola, and Olusegun Olaleye (a.k.a. “Radical Brother”)—each allegedly declaring themselves winner in parallel venues, sparking confusion and violence. Protests soon erupted at the party secretariat, with local stakeholders demanding national intervention to salvage the process.

Despite the controversy, the party beat INEC’s July 28 deadline for candidate submission by settling on Olatunji, whose candidacy was affirmed by a Certificate of Return from the APC national secretariat.

Presenting the certificate at the party’s Oke-Ado secretariat on Monday, Olatunji was received by Oyo APC Chairman, Pharmacist Olayide Abas, along with party executives and supporters from Ibadan North.

“In Ibadan North, we have a sophisticated electorate,” Abas said. “Since 1999, they have tested both the APC and PDP, and the progressive parties have always delivered better representation. The late Prince Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban) raised the bar, and now we have another passionate man in Murphy who will surpass that legacy.”

Abas urged constituents to reject “deceitful political players” attempting to impose weak opposition candidates in the constituency, calling on voters across the 12 wards to rally behind APC.

In his remarks, Olatunji acknowledged the internal crisis but pledged to reconcile with other aspirants and party stakeholders to ensure unity ahead of the August 16 poll.

“I shall be a servant to all—party faithful and constituents alike—and an active member of the National Assembly if elected,” he said. “I was denied the opportunity in 2003 through rigging, but I didn’t give up on serving my people. Now, the opportunity is here again.”

Responding to claims of imposition, the party’s Public Relations Officer, Olawale Sadare, told WESTERN POST that reconciliation efforts were already underway. “We have passed that stage,” Sadare said. “All aspirants now understand the need to work together. A reconciliation committee will be inaugurated within 48 hours to engage all concerned.”

The bye-election was necessitated by the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi in 2024. The APC hopes to retain the seat and restore stability in the party’s ranks ahead of the vote.