A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji Adebisi Aremu Olopoeyan, has hailed the outcome of the weekend bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency as a vindication of grassroots politics and a clear message from the electorate.
The PDP candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, defeated Adewale Olatunji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 18,404 votes to 8,312.
Reacting to the result, Olopoeyan described the APC’s loss as a personal defeat for the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
He argued that the outcome reaffirmed his long-standing view that Adelabu and his camp lack the political maturity and grassroots structure required to succeed in Oyo politics.
“This election was not just a contest of votes; it was a referendum on political credibility. Chief Adelabu and his candidate have once again shown that superficial popularity and media presence are no substitute for experience and connection with the people,” Olopoeyan said.
He maintained that Adelabu’s rise was largely buoyed by the legacy of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and alliances forged in 2019, but that such support was circumstantial rather than deeply rooted.
“Adelabu is essentially a six-year-old politician still learning the ropes. Unfortunately, he has yet to grasp the essence of long-term strategy and coalition building. Politics in Oyo is not for the impatient,” he added.
Olopoeyan also expressed disappointment in politician Wale Murphy’s decision to align with Adelabu, arguing that his experience would have been better deployed independently than under the influence of a relatively new political player.
Looking ahead, he urged Adelabu to adopt humility and a more strategic approach, rather than engaging in premature rivalry with Governor Seyi Makinde.
“Seyi Makinde’s political journey is the result of decades of investment, strategic relationships, and grassroots credibility. Competing with him without equivalent groundwork is both unrealistic and unwise,” he said.
He emphasized that Makinde’s 2019 victory was the result of a consensus among key political stakeholders, noting that Adelabu must return to the fundamentals of coalition building if he wishes to remain relevant.
“The road to relevance in Oyo politics is through learning, listening, and building. Adelabu must return to the basics if he wishes to remain politically relevant,” Olopoeyan added.
