The forthcoming bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency is not just a political routine; it is a decisive moment for a constituency recovering from the vacuum left by the late Hon. Olaide Akinremi Jagaban. This is a test of the people’s resolve to choose not merely a party, but a leader with the competence, networks, and moral capital to translate Ibadan North’s aspirations into tangible development. In this contest, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Murphy, offers a superior choice over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Don—and the reasons are neither emotional nor partisan, but grounded in logic and reality.
1. Continuity of Progressive Gains
Under Hon. Olaide Akinremi Jagaban, Ibadan North enjoyed visible constituency projects, from infrastructural improvements to youth empowerment programmes. While Jagaban’s demise was an undeniable loss, the APC’s political structure, influence in the federal legislature, and relationship with the current federal government create a tested pathway for sustaining and expanding these gains.
Wale Olatunji Murphy is strategically positioned to tap into these channels without starting from scratch. A vote for APC here is a vote to protect existing projects from stagnation—a risk that comes with electing a candidate from a rival party lacking similar federal synergy.
2. Political Access and Leverage
In politics, access is power. The Federal House of Representatives is not merely a debating hall—it is a marketplace of influence. Members aligned with the ruling party naturally have smoother access to ministers, agencies, and budgetary committees.
Wale Olatunji Murphy’s candidacy under the APC banner ensures Ibadan North retains that vital federal link at a time when the Tinubu-led administration is consolidating national development priorities. Electing Don under PDP would, realistically, relegate the constituency’s voice to the opposition benches, where requests for constituency needs often suffer slower consideration.
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3. Proven Administrative Acumen
Murphy’s political journey is backed by demonstrable capacity in organizational leadership and resource management. He understands the legislative process, grasps the art of political negotiation, and has a reputation for bridging divides between community interests and policy implementation.
This is not about rhetoric—it is about sending a representative who can navigate Abuja’s complex bureaucracy without being politically stranded.
4. Avoiding the Risk of “Trial and Error” Representation
Bye-elections are special: they are not meant for experiments but for continuity and impact. The tenure left is short, and the winning candidate must hit the ground running, not spend the first crucial months learning the ropes or establishing new alliances.
Wale Olatunji Murphy comes with ready networks, institutional trust within the APC, and a clear roadmap for legislative priorities—making him the safer, faster, and more effective option.
5. Constituency Unity and Stability
Ibadan North’s diverse wards require a unifying figure who can navigate political differences without deepening divides. Murphy’s track record within the APC structure shows a leader who values inclusiveness, respects party elders, and commands youth followership without alienating traditional stakeholders.
In contrast, bringing in an opposition figure at this delicate transition risks sparking unnecessary political friction between local governance structures and federal representation.
6. Accountability through a Strong Party Framework
While individuals matter, strong party machinery plays a vital role in keeping elected officials accountable. APC’s grassroots organization in Ibadan North has mechanisms for performance review, community feedback, and project monitoring. By electing Murphy, the people retain both the individual and the institutional guarantee of responsive representation.
Conclusion: The Choice is Strategic, Not Sentimental
This election is not a referendum on personalities—it is a decision about positioning Ibadan North at the table where national resources are allocated. With Murphy, Ibadan North gets an experienced negotiator within the ruling party’s inner circles, capable of delivering both federal attention and tangible benefits.
Voting otherwise may satisfy partisan preferences but risks slowing the constituency’s momentum at a time when speed and access are everything.
In this bye-election, the noble indigenes of Ibadan North must choose capacity over experimentation, access over isolation, and continuity over disruption. By these measures, Murphy of the All Progressives Congress is the logical, strategic, and beneficial choice.
Dahood Kóláwolé Mandela writes from the city of Ibadan.
