217,980 Ibadan North voters decide fate of five candidates today

DDM News

(DDM) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 217,980 registered voters in Ibadan North Federal Constituency will decide the fate of five candidates in Saturday’s House of Representatives by-election.

The by-election follows the death of Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as “Jagaban,” who represented the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his sudden passing in July 2024.

DDM reports that his death created a vacuum in the House, making the contest a highly anticipated one in Oyo State politics.

INEC disclosed that the by-election will be conducted across the 12 electoral wards that make up Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

The political parties contesting are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Each party has presented candidates with strong campaign structures, making the contest too close to call.

Observers say the battle will largely be between the APC, eager to retain the seat, and the PDP, which is determined to snatch it.

Labour Party and SDP are also banking on youth and grassroots mobilisation to spring a surprise.

According to INEC, the 217,980 voters who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are expected to determine the winner.

Security agencies have assured residents that the exercise will be peaceful.

The Oyo State Police Command, in a statement issued by Public Relations Officer CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the Command has taken precautionary steps to forestall violence.

Osifeso explained that security stakeholders had met in advance, leading to the signing of a peace accord by all political aspirants.

The police further banned uniformed escorts for candidates at polling units to reduce intimidation.

Other key measures include the prohibition of alcohol sales near voting areas, enforcement of electoral laws, and ensuring only accredited security agencies are deployed.

The police also warned against any form of voter inducement, vote buying, or possession of weapons.

DDM gathered that security operatives have been placed on high alert across Ibadan North to prevent breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, civil society groups monitoring the election have urged voters to turn out massively and resist attempts at vote manipulation.

They also called on INEC to ensure the timely arrival of election materials and proper functioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Political analysts note that the outcome of the by-election will serve as a litmus test for party strength in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For many voters, today’s election is not only about filling a vacant seat but also about charting a new political direction for Ibadan North.

As residents head to the polls, expectations are high that the exercise will reflect the genuine will of the people.

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