The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has rejected the outcome of the just-concluded by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, alleging that the poll was marred by widespread irregularities, vote-buying, and voter intimidation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner of Saturday’s election, with 18,404 votes, ahead of APC’s Hon. Adewale Olatunji, who polled 8,312 votes.

However, in a strongly worded statement released on Monday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC accused the ruling PDP of resorting to “desperate tactics reminiscent of the Obasanjo-era do-or-die politics.”

“Regrettably, established cases of irregularities characterised the conduct of the by-election in Ibadan North,” the statement read. “Electoral officials and security agents were either compromised or looked the other way while PDP agents freely engaged in vote-buying and other sharp practices.”

The APC alleged that substantial sums of money were distributed by PDP operatives at polling units, with reports indicating that voters without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were allowed to vote under the watch of INEC officials.
“In Ward 07, a known PDP stalwart was caught buying votes but was later released without consequence,” Sadare stated.

The opposition party also accused the Park Management System (PMS), allegedly under the control of pro-government actors, of deploying armed thugs across key areas within the constituency, including Yemetu, Bodija, Mokola, Agbowo, and Alli-Iwo — to intimidate voters and disrupt the electoral process.

“These fierce-looking, weapon-wielding men moved freely and created an atmosphere of fear while voting was ongoing. It was a complete mockery of democracy,” the statement added.

Despite its grievances, the APC said it remains committed to democratic ideals and the sanctity of free and fair elections. Sadare confirmed that the party is currently compiling detailed evidence of alleged infractions during the poll and will announce its next course of action soon.

“We appeal to all our members and supporters across the state to remain calm and maintain faith in the leadership of the APC at all levels,” he said.