In a significant development ahead of the August 16 Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, two major power blocs within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have put aside their political differences. Former Senate Leader and APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Senator Teslim Folarin, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, publicly reconciled on Thursday, pledging to work together to ensure victory for the party’s candidate in the by-election.
The reconciliation, brokered by senior party leaders and influential political figures within the state, marks a turning point for the Oyo APC. According to sources, the move was facilitated by a direct instruction from the presidency, aimed at presenting a united front against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has mounted an aggressive campaign to retain the seat vacated by the late Hon. Olaide Akinremi “Jagaban.”
In a show of unity, Senator Folarin described the reconciliation as “a turning point for the Oyo APC,” stressing that unity was the only pathway to reclaiming political dominance in the state. Chief Adelabu, on his part, reportedly said their coming together was driven by the need to “honour the memory of the late Jagaban” and to ensure that APC retains the seat.
The meeting, attended by prominent APC stakeholders, including Senator Sharafadeen Alli representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, members of the Oyo State APC Elders’ Advisory Council, former political office holders, and grassroots mobilisers, was a significant step towards achieving party unity.
Party leaders assured that campaign structures would now be fully harmonised, with coordinated messaging, and a shared campaign platform. This development is expected to boost the party’s chances of winning the by-election, which is expected to be a keenly contested poll, with both APC and PDP deploying high-profile campaign teams in the constituency.
According to sources, the reconciliation between Folarin and Adelabu was the first time the duo have met face-to-face and embraced each other after the pre-2023 electioneering campaign when Adelabu defected from the APC to Accord party. This renewed partnership is seen as a crucial step towards achieving party unity and ensuring victory in the by-election.
In a related development, it was gathered that wife of former governor, Late Abiola Ajimobi, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and Folarin have also reconciled their political differences. Folarin’s reconciliation with the former First Lady reportedly held in London following a directive from the presidency to all aggrieved factions of the APC in Oyo state ahead of August 16.
The party sources revealed that their reconciliation was at the instance of a direct instruction from the presidency towards ensuring a victory for the party’s candidate in the Saturday’s election. This move is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen the party’s position ahead of the by-election.
As the APC prepares for the by-election, the party’s leaders are confident that the reconciliation will yield positive results. With a united front, the APC is poised to reclaim the seat and demonstrate its strength in the state.
The Ibadan North by-election is expected to be a closely contested poll, with both APC and PDP deploying high-profile campaign teams in the constituency. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the political landscape of Oyo State and the country at large.
In the coming days, the APC’s campaign structures are expected to be fully harmonised, with coordinated messaging and a shared campaign platform. This will enable the party to present a united front and maximise its chances of winning the by-election.
With the reconciliation between Folarin and Adelabu, the APC is well-positioned to achieve victory in the by-election. The party’s leaders are confident that the move will yield positive results and demonstrate the party’s strength in the state.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the APC’s campaign efforts and the party’s ability to deliver a victory. With a united front and a well-coordinated campaign, the APC is poised to reclaim the seat and make a significant statement in Oyo State politics.
The reconciliation between Folarin and Adelabu is a significant development that will likely have a positive impact on the party’s chances of winning the by-election. As the APC prepares for the election, the party’s leaders are optimistic about the outcome and confident that the party will emerge victorious.
