The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the August 16 bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, fondly known as *DoN*, has officially launched his stakeholder engagement tour, beginning with strategic consultations in Wards 1 to 3.
The grassroots-focused consultations mark the start of an extensive campaign to connect with community leaders, opinion shapers, and voters across the federal constituency.
Hon. Oyekunle was accompanied by a formidable delegation of party stalwarts, government officials, and members of the campaign structure. Among those on the consultation train were the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Seun Olufade; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yinka Kazeem (Bibire); Director-General of the PDP Campaign Committee, Hon. Demola Omotosho; Special Assistant to the Governor on Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Julian Nwachukwu; Secretary of the Campaign Committee, Hon. Adebowale Falana; Vice Chairman of the Campaign Committee, Hon. Akeem Ayoade; and the Chief of Staff to the Ibadan North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Hamdy Mustapha. Also present were key PDP local government executives and ward leaders.
During the first leg of the tour, DoN engaged various stakeholder groups—traditional rulers, religious leaders, community development associations, youth organizations, market women, and artisans—gathering insight into their concerns and aspirations.
“This process is about building trust,” Hon. Oyekunle stated during a town hall-style interaction. *“I want the people of Ibadan North to know that I am accessible, accountable, and fully committed to representing their interests at the National Assembly. By starting with Wards 1 to 3, we are laying a solid foundation for a people-driven campaign.”*
Executive Chairman Hon. Seun Olufade praised the enthusiastic reception received by the PDP team and described the candidate as a beacon of hope for the federal constituency.
*“We are confident in Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle’s capacity to deliver effective representation. His grassroots consultation proves he’s ready to serve with humility, competence, and vision,”* Olufade said.
Echoing the sentiment, Hon. Yinka Kazeem (Bibire) and Hon. Julian Nwachukwu reaffirmed the state government’s backing of the PDP flagbearer, emphasizing Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to ensuring effective and people-centered representation at the federal level.
Campaign DG, Hon. Demola Omotosho, described the ward-by-ward strategy as *“a model of grassroots politics that strengthens democracy and fosters deeper party loyalty.”*
Hon. Adebowale Falana, Hon. Akeem Ayoade, and Hon. Hamdy Mustapha also expressed their satisfaction with the overwhelming community response, noting that the PDP’s approach reflects a renewed sense of direction and inclusivity in Ibadan North politics.
The consultations are expected to continue across all wards in the constituency over the coming days, as the PDP candidate amplifies his message of responsive, youth-driven, and people-oriented leadership.
With growing support from community stakeholders and strategic backing from party leadership, Hon. Oyekunle is fast emerging as the candidate to beat in the upcoming bye-election.
