Aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State have accused Governor Seyi Makinde of foisting an unpopular candidate on the people of Ibadan North ahead of Saturday’s bye-election for the House of Representatives seat.
The APC leaders, who rallied behind the party’s candidate, Hon. Wale Olatunji Murphy, also warned constituents against “rewarding failure” by voting for the Peoples Democratic Party’s flagbearer.
Speaking on a Fresh FM political programme, Dende Oro, hosted by veteran broadcaster, Abolade Salami, on Wednesday, the party chieftains described Murphy as a “struggle-tested leader” capable of delivering people-oriented projects.
Hon. Monsuru Adeyemo (Socrates), a communication consultant and grassroots politician, said the PDP candidate was imposed without regard for popular will.
“The opposition has accepted a visionless candidate who cannot represent the people. Ibadan North must reject this mediocrity,” he declared.
He praised Murphy’s political resilience, noting that the late Rep. Olaide Akinremi Jagaban had endorsed him before his death.
Also speaking, Hon. Wasiu Emiola, a veteran politician and educationist, said Murphy’s emergence was “divine justice” after being “rigged out” by the PDP in 2003 when he contested under the Alliance for Democracy.
“I urge all teachers and pensioners to support Murphy. The PDP failed Ibadan North Constituency 1 from 2019 to 2023; we must not promote incompetence,” Emiola said.
On his part, Hon. Adebayo Taofik Aderogba, mni, stressed the importance of party unity, saying, “There were 20 aspirants for the ticket. Once the party decides, all must support the candidate. It’s Murphy’s turn today; it could be yours tomorrow.”
APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said the PDP’s alleged violent tactics had previously led to voter apathy but expressed optimism that “the people are ready to vote APC this time, driven by Akinremi’s legacy and the failure of the current administration.”
“The constituents will not waste their votes; they will choose Murphy,” Sadare added.
