The outcome of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election on August 16, 2025, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, defeated his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, Hon. Adewale Olatunji Murphy, by a wide margin of 18,530 votes to 8,266, has once again raised troubling questions about the future of APC in Oyo State.
The result was not only disappointing but also embarrassing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has invested so much in repositioning the party at the national level. Oyo State had long regarded as the Pace Setter in Nigerian politics, cannot afford to remain under PDP dominance if APC is to sustain its influence in the Southwest and beyond. Reclaiming Oyo will depend on credible leadership, the right candidates, and genuine grassroots mobilization.
The first issue is leadership. APC in Oyo cannot continue to recycle political figures who have repeatedly failed to deliver. The time has come for leadership to shift away from personality-driven politics and self-interest toward competence, service, and a clear vision for the people.
Candidate selection for 2027 will be even more decisive. APC must avoid the usual “man-know-man” politics or handing the ticket to the highest bidder. The governorship candidate must be one with capacity, integrity, and vision, someone capable of inspiring the electorate. History has also shown that Oyo politics is often most favorable when the governorship candidate emerges from Ibadan, a factor the party should weigh carefully in its calculations.
Equally important is avoiding alliances with Governor Seyi Makinde. With his second term ending in 2027, Makinde has nothing to lose and every reason to protect his personal political interests. APC must chart its own independent path, free from external manipulations or deceptive agreements.
Oyo voters are increasingly disillusioned with recycled politicians flaunting unexplained wealth and records of past failures. This opens the door for fresh faces that is, capable individuals with international exposure, innovative political strategies, strong media presence, youth appeal, and proven records of empowerment. Such candidates can ignite enthusiasm and mobilize young voters in ways that traditional names cannot.
But winning back Oyo will take more than just a candidate, it will require strategic mobilization. Money alone cannot secure victory. APC must run a campaign rooted in ideas, community engagement, and grassroots organization. Building trust through inclusive dialogues, people-oriented policies, and visible development initiatives will be essential in regaining credibility.
The Ibadan North bye-election should serve as a loud wake-up call. APC cannot continue with business as usual if it truly intends to reclaim Oyo State in 2027. With bold leadership, credible candidates, and people-centered strategies, the party can still wrestle power from PDP and re-establish Oyo as the true pace setter of Nigerian politics.
By Bola Babarinde, former Chairman, APC South Africa Chapter, Currently the General Secretary, Renewed Hope Global.
