Politics is fundamentally about genuine connection—identifying with the people and aligning with their aspirations.
Hon. Folajinmi Oyekunle Don exemplifies this principle. He is not only in touch with the grassroots, but he has also earned widespread acceptance across Ibadan North Local Government.
His growing popularity is a reflection of his humility, genuine consensus by our Leader and Executive Governor of Oyo State His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde Fogbontolu 1, his accessibility, and commitment to community transformation.
On the contrary, the APC appears to be in disarray ahead of the August 16th, 2025 bye-election.
Their candidate has struggled to gain traction within his own party, let alone among the broader electorate.
A glaring indicator of this disconnect is the lukewarm support from major party stakeholders.
Many leaders in Ibadan North have adopted a ‘sit-down-and-watch’ posture.
Even more telling is the situation within the party’s own aspirants’ forum.
Out of the six individuals who purchased the party’s N10 million nomination form, the United Aspirants Forum reached a consensus in favour of Hon. Khali Mustapha Repete.
However, the party’s final decision ignored this internal consensus, leading to deep resentment among core stakeholders.
Additionally, the loyal followers and close allies of the late Hon. Prince Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban) have distanced themselves from the APC’s campaign.
The symbolic locking of Akinremi Hall and the displacement of meetings to the field as venue is evidence of internal resistance.
Ironically, those who were at the forefront of mobilization and empowerment efforts during Jagaban’s lifetime are now being tagged as his workers, DSTV Installer, Banner producer —despite being the backbone of the Akinremi political structure during his lifetime and even after his death.
Those who are being tagged as his workers are the one shortlisting their name for empowerments like Micra, Okada, Marwa and many others items. That is politics for you.
In legal parlance, possession implies ownership.
And where you find the elder brother of the late Akinremi, Alhaji Abideen Akinremi (Big Daddy) with those tagged to be workers shows they are the one to reckon with, it is safe to say the authentic Akinremi legacy Forum camp has spoken.
Moreover, discontent within the APC has reached a tipping point. Many loyalists have rejected party agents, and key Apex leaders are openly displeased with the emergence of Hon. Wale Olatunji (Murphy) over the consensus preference, Hon. Umar Farouq Arisekola Alao.
Out of 25 identified APC Apex Leaders in Ibadan North, no fewer than 20 consider Murphy’s candidacy a breach of internal democracy and political decency.
In contrast, the PDP and Hon. Folajinmi Oyekunle Don enjoy uncommon unity, clarity, and the full backing of the people.
The tide is clear, and so is the outcome. Saturday, August 16th, is not just a bye-election—it is a declaration of the people’s will. A landslide victory is imminent.
It is indeed a Don Deal.
Hon. Kazeem Ademola Alimi writes from Ibadan North Federal Constituency
