The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally declared Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle Don of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the closely contested Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.

The announcement was made at the Ibadan North Collation Centre, located at Ikolaba High School, by the INEC Returning Officer, Professor Abiodun Oluwadare from the University of Ibadan.

According to the official results, Hon. Folajimi Don garnered an impressive 18,404 votes, significantly outpacing his nearest competitor from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Adewale Olatunji Murphy, who secured only 8,312 votes. This substantial victory has sent ripples through the political arena.

Following this decisive win, Hon. Oyekunle Don will take over from the late representative of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Musliu Olaide Akinremi Jagaban, whose passing prompted the bye-election.

Political analysts and party supporters have praised the PDP’s overwhelming victory, viewing it as a strong endorsement of the party’s resurgence and the electorate’s trust in its leadership. This win also represents a significant milestone, as the PDP has reclaimed the federal constituency seat for the first time since 2011.

In the aftermath of the announcement, ecstatic supporters poured into the streets of Ibadan North, celebrating what they termed a “coast-to-coast victory,” affirming that the PDP continues to be the people’s choice in Oyo State. This triumph further reinforces the PDP’s stronghold in the state, reflecting Governor Seyi Makinde’s ongoing legacy of good governance, which many believe played a crucial role in boosting voter confidence for Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle Don.