Ibadan North By-Election: Makinde’s S.A Hon. Julian Nwachukwu Appreciates INEC, Charges PDP Aspirants, Stakeholders & Members to True Unity Ahead of August 16 Polls

In a heartfelt rejoinder to her earlier advocacy for prompt action on the vacant Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat, Hon. Julian Àríké Nwachukwu, the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Ibadan North Federal Constituency, has expressed deep appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for heeding the yearnings of the people of Ibadan North.

Since the unfortunate passing of the late Hon. Prince Musiliu Olaide Akinremi Jagaban on July 10, 2024, the constituency has remained without representation at the National Assembly. Hon. Julian Nwachukwu had earlier made a passionate appeal on behalf of the people, calling on INEC to expedite action on conducting a by-election.

Now that INEC has officially fixed the date of the election for August 16, 2025, with party primaries scheduled to hold between July 17 and 21, she acknowledges the Commission’s responsiveness as a step in the right direction towards deepening democratic inclusion and legislative representation.

A CALL FOR UNITY WITHIN THE PDP

In a crucial message to the leadership, executives, and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan North Local Government and across Oyo State, Hon. Julian Nwachukwu called for total unity, cooperation, and a common front ahead of the upcoming electoral battle.

She stressed the importance of collective support for whomever emerges as the PDP flagbearer after the primary elections, noting that victory at the general election on August 16 is only possible through a united party front.

“Our Party is blessed to have seven formidable aspirants, each bringing a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to the table. I appreciate: Hon. Abiodun Dada Awoleye, Hon. Lanre Sarumi Skido, Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi BIBIRE, Hon. Taiwo Salami, Hon. Matthew Oyeniyi, Hon. Kabiru Salami (De-Bomba), and Hon. Waheed Akanbi (Omojobiiro) for their continued investment of time, resources, and goodwill in strengthening the PDP,” she said.

“These leaders have shown capacity and the wherewithal to run impressive campaigns, but as we all know, the mantle can only fall on one.

As political veterans, they understand that the true battle is NOT THE PRIMARIES, but the war we must collectively win at the general polls.

I implore that whoever emerges must lead an inclusive campaign and prioritize intentional reconciliation with fellow aspirants. Likewise, those not selected must rally around the party’s candidate. That is the only way forward.”

A WORD TO THE FOLLOWERS

Hon. Julian Nwachukwu extended her message to the supporters of the various aspirants, urging them to emulate the spirit of sportsmanship and political maturity OFTEN DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR PRINCIPALS.

She noted that while aspirants may reconcile post-primaries, it is often the actions and utterances of their supporters that create lasting rifts within the party.

“To our dear supporters and followers: we know your loyalty runs deep. But I appeal to you, do not allow your passion to sow discord. The primaries will come and go, but the goal remains: to return the PDP to the House of Representatives for the first time since 2011 in Ibadan North. Let’s not jeopardize this opportunity with disunity or bitterness.”

A PROMISE OF INCLUSIVITY

Reiterating her commitment to equity and inclusiveness, Hon. Julian Nwachukwu assured that, with the support of other stakeholders and under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the incoming federal representative – if elected on the platform of the PDP – will run an inclusive government that accommodates all shades of interest across the constituency.

“This movement is bigger than any individual aspiration. It is about giving Ibadan North the effective, quality representation it deserves. No one will be left behind.”

As the political climate heats up ahead of the primaries and eventual polls, the message from the Governor’s Special Assistant is clear: only unity, maturity, and party loyalty will guarantee victory for the PDP come August 16.

E-Signed:

Hon. Julian Àríké Nwachukwu

Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Ibadan North Federal Constituency

#INEC #ByElection #IbadanNorth #Awoleye #Sarumi #Bibire #Salami #Matthew #DeBomba #Biiro #Julian #SeyiMakinde Seyi Makinde Nwachukwu Julian Abiodun Awoleye Lanre Sarumi Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi Matthew Oyeniyi Official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nigeria Ogunsina Oluwaseun Micheal Wasiu Adeleke Halade Soj