It was a day of political fireworks, electrifying energy, and an unmistakable march towards victory yesterday, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State held its grand finale campaign rally for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency ahead of tomorrow’s, August 16, bye-election.
The streets of Ibadan North were painted in PDP colours as a mammoth crowd of party members, leaders, and residents defied the hot sun to show unwavering solidarity for the party’s candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON.
The atmosphere was nothing short of carnival-like, drums rolled, chants echoed, and party flags waved in every corner.
The rally procession, which commenced at the Ibadan North PDP Secretariat in Yemetu, attracted an intimidating lineup of PDP heavyweights from across the state, all united under one mission, to deliver victory.
Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin, representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, led a strong mobilisation from his base.
Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, FCA, the Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland and Chairman of Solutions 93.9 FM, also joined with his team to energise the starting point of the rally.
In a rare show of unity, federal lawmakers from other constituencies stormed Ibadan North in solidarity. Hon. Adepoju Anthony “Ibarapa Kan” (Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency), Hon. Dhikrullahi Adedeji Odidiomo (Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency), Hon. Oyeshina Oyedeji “O’Shine” (Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, Iwajowa Federal Constituency) and former House of Representatives member Hon. Shina Peller, all marched shoulder-to-shoulder with their teams.
Leading the charge on home soil was the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, supported by the two House of Assembly members from the area, Hon. Olufunke Comforter (Ibadan North Constituency 1) and Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel “Jagaban” (Ibadan North Constituency 2).
The rally also pulled a galaxy of top state officials and party leaders, including Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun; DG campaign and chairman , Oyo state housing corporation, hon. Demola omotoso, chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Adebowale Falana; Governor Makinde’s P.A, Alhaji Salam Azeez, Baba Ismaila ashipa, ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo (Ibadan North-East LGA Chairman); Hon. Mudashir Kamorudeen (Lagelu LGA Chairman); Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji “Wabkem” (Atiba LGA Chairman); Oyo State PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Michael Ogunsina; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Coordination, Hon. Kabiru Salami “De-Bomba”; 3SC Chairman, Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, chairman Oyo state local government pension board, hon. Demola Ige, Ibadan North PDP Chairman, comrade mustapha, Governor Makinde’s S.A on Ibadan North federal Constituency and Ibadan North PDP women leader, hon. Julian Nwachuku, and Hon. Matthew Alani Oyeniyi, former House of Representatives aspirant and ex-Councillor of Ward 12 in Ibadan North.
From Yemetu, the rally snaked through the length and breadth of Ibadan North, touching every nook and cranny, as the PDP’s message reverberated, Vote PDP, protect the future, and sustain the transformational leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The momentum built to a climax at Sango Motor Park, where thousands were already gathered to await the rally train.
Here, the Ibadan-born Fuji maestro, Alhaji Taye Currency, treated the crowd to soul-lifting performances, ensuring there was never a dull moment.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON to the people of Ibadan North by former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, alongside former Federal House of Representatives member, Hon. Waheed Gbede.
Speaker after speaker, from former and current federal lawmakers, house of assembly members, commissioners to council chairmen and party leaders echoed the same call: Come out en masse tomorrow, August 16, and vote massively for the PDP and its candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON.
Yesterday’s grand finale rally was not just a show of strength, it was a resounding declaration that the PDP remains the heartbeat of Oyo State and a signal to opponents that victory is already tilting in one direction.
