The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Hon. Olayide Abas, has called on the electorate in Ibadan North Federal Constituency to remain steadfast in their support for the party by voting for its candidate, Mr. Adewale Olatunji, popularly known as Murphy, in the forthcoming bye-election scheduled for August 16.

Speaking on Monday at the party’s state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, while receiving Murphy, who came to present his Certificate of Return from the APC National Secretariat, Alhaji Abas appealed to voters across the 12 Wards of the constituency to reject “desperate political players” and vote for competence, capacity, and continuity of quality representation.

Abas commended the choice of Adewale Olatunji as the party’s candidate, noting that the former House of Representatives aspirant had the passion and pedigree to continue the legacy of the late Hon. Prince Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban), whose passing earlier this year created the need for the bye-election.

“In Ibadan North, we have a sophisticated set of voters who value the best,” Abas stated. “Since 1999 when the Fourth Republic began, the track records show clearly that only representatives elected on the platforms of progressive parties, AD, ACN, and APC , have delivered meaningful results in the House of Representatives.”

“The late Prince Olaide Akinremi of blessed memory, who represented our great party with honour until his passing in 2024, raised the standard of representation and served until his last breath. Today, we are presenting another tested and trusted man, Adewale Olatunji (Murphy), who we believe will even surpass those sterling achievements.”

Abas warned constituents to be wary of politicians seeking to impose an “unknown and voiceless” candidate on Ibadan North through the back door. “Ibadan North is too strategic to be handed to an opposition figure who will lack the platform and influence to speak up on the floor of the National Assembly,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Adewale Olatunji expressed appreciation to the party leadership and supporters for the confidence reposed in him. He promised to run an inclusive campaign and ensure reconciliation within the party by reaching out to fellow aspirants and stakeholders.

Olatunji, who is a native of Ibadan North and a former House of Representatives candidate, recalled how his 2003 mandate was hijacked by electoral fraud. He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people if given the opportunity.

“I shall be a servant to all, party leaders, members, and the electorate, and not just a representative at the National Assembly. We must come together to fulfil this mandate in honour of the late Jagaban and in the interest of our people.”

The event was attended by members of the Ibadan North APC Executive Committee and a crowd of party supporters who accompanied the candidate to the party headquarters.