The passing of Rt. Hon. Musiliu Olaide Adewale Akinremi, fondly known as JAGABAN, has left a significant void in the House of Representatives and within the All Progressives Congress (APC) family in Ibadan North. His absence is deeply felt.
Before the APC released its guidelines for the upcoming bye-election and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the election timetable, over twenty dedicated party members expressed interest in contesting for the vacant seat. After a thorough screening process, ten aspirants—eight men and two women—met the party’s requirements. Each of them displayed remarkable zeal, competence, and unwavering commitment to securing the party’s ticket. Their passion and determination are commendable and deserving of recognition.
However, in every contest, only one candidate emerges. The party has officially announced Hon. Adewale Olatunji, popularly known as Murphy, as the APC flagbearer for the bye-election scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
As devoted and loyal members of our great party, and in honour of the legacy left behind by Hon. Akinremi JAGABAN, it is both honourable and strategic to set aside differences, forgive past grievances, and come together in unity. Supporting Murphy is not only a tribute to Akinremi’s memory but also a necessary step in strengthening the party for the challenges ahead.
To all aspirants who invested their time, energy, and resources into this race: you fought valiantly. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and your contributions have elevated the party’s strength and visibility—even at the national level. I urge the party leadership to offer continued support and encouragement to these worthy individuals.
I commend our State Party Chairman, Alhaji Pharmacist Olaide Abass, for his impartial leadership and commitment throughout the process. This bye-election is an important milestone for his tenure, and we owe it to him—and to our party—to deliver victory.If today belongs to Murphy, tomorrow could belong to any one of us. Let us embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and carry forward the lessons we’ve learned. We must now stand together and give our full support to the local government party chairman, Alhaji T.A.O. Olayiwola, and his executive team as they lead us into this crucial election. Their success is our collective success.
Lastly, I appeal to our Apex Leaders to come together, close ranks, and foster unity within the party. History will judge us not only by our individual ambitions but by the legacy of unity we leave behind.
Victory is certain—Victory is for us all.
Balogun Gaphar Babatunde OjetolaWard 3, Ibadan NorthMember, APC Apex LeadersBAT AGENDA National Coordinator.