The political tempo in Ibadan North has begun to rise following the emergence of Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, Deputy Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming August 16 bye-election to fill the vacant Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

Gov Seyi Makinde, according to credible party sources, reached a decisive conclusion late last night to back Oyekunle, popularly known as “Fola Don” ahead of six other aspirants. The decision, seen by insiders as both strategic and conciliatory, is said to have been communicated directly to the contenders during a closed-door meeting in Ibadan.

To manage the internal fallout, Governor Makinde reportedly assured the other aspirants of political appointments and relevance in the final stretch of his administration.

In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has kick started its internal processes to field a candidate for the same poll. The party has scheduled its primary election for Friday, July 25, 2025, and consultations are ongoing across the party’s local structures.

While the field remains open, observers note that among the aspirants showing interest in the APC ticket, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, Hon. Umar Farouk Arisekola-Alao, enjoys growing support across diverse party blocs. His broad political engagement and experience within the progressive fold are seen by some as giving him an early edge, though the final outcome remains in the hands of the delegates.