By-Election: APC Stalwart Slams Adelabu Over Ibadan North Candidate Selection

A prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Ademola Solalu, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the process that led to the selection of the party’s candidate for the forthcoming by-election in the federal constituency.

Solalu, a key stakeholder in the Oyo State APC, criticized the lack of transparency in the candidate selection process, stating categorically that no primary election was conducted. “There was no delegate election in Ibadan North APC,” he said.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Solalu accused Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, of imposing a candidate without due process. He added that Adelabu appears to be prioritizing his political interests over the party’s internal democracy. “Adebayo Adelabu has chosen the House of Representatives ticket over his 2027 governorship ambition,” Solalu wrote.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the by-election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The seat became vacant following the death of Hon. Olaide Adewale Akinremi, popularly known as “Jagaban”, who passed away on July 10, 2024, at the age of 51, after a brief illness in Abuja.

Sources within the party alleged that Adelabu, who currently serves as a minister, is attempting to manipulate the selection process to suit his personal agenda. This development has reportedly caused significant divisions within the local chapter of the party.

It is worth noting that Adelabu had previously defected to the Accord Party ahead of the 2023 general election, during which he made several disparaging remarks about the APC. In a now-viral video, he said, “We are even ashamed to present ourselves as members of the APC. That party cannot win any election. We are in Accord, and we will use the party to win the governorship election.”

Adelabu returned to the APC after losing the 2023 gubernatorial election to the incumbent governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The controversy surrounding the by-election underscores ongoing tensions within the Oyo APC, raising concerns about unity and internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.