…As Hon. Adewale Haastrup Emerges Candidate for August 16 Poll
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter, has officially announced Hon. Adewale Haastrup Olatunji, popularly known as “Murphy,” as its candidate for the upcoming bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, slated for August 16, 2025.
Following the conclusion of the party’s primary election, which saw Haastrup emerge among several aspirants, the APC has constituted a 12-member Reconciliation Committee to manage post-primary engagements and foster party unity ahead of the election.
According to a statement signed by the Oyo APC Chairman, Pharm. Olayide Moshood Abas, the committee comprises seasoned party leaders and stakeholders, with Alhaji Kamoru Ajisafe JP serving as chairman and Otunba Banji Agboola as secretary.
In addition, the party unveiled a robust, all-inclusive Campaign Council to drive its electoral strategies. The council will be inaugurated at the party’s state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 3:00 pm.
Campaign Council Leadership
Director-General: Hon. Akin Alabi
Deputy Director-General: Balogun Gaphar Ojetola
Secretary: Dr. Olaitan Victor
Strategic Committees and Key Members
The campaign structure comprises several thematic committees, drawing notable political figures, former lawmakers, technocrats, and grassroots mobilizers from across Oyo State.
Strategy, Planning, and Budget Committee
Chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the committee includes serving and former senators such as Abdulfatai Buhari, Yunus Akintunde, Olufemi Lanlehin, and Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, among others. It also lists prominent figures like Dr. Zach Adedeji, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and Hon. Tolulope Akande-Shadipe.
Media, Publicity and Strategy Committee
Led by Prof. Adeolu Akande, with Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye as Vice Chairman, the committee will oversee campaign messaging. Members include party communicators like Hon. Ademola Solalu, Comrade Bayo Oyelakin, and Hon. Adewale Aponmade.
Legal Affairs Committee
Headed by renowned legal luminary Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN, the legal committee will provide advisory support and ensure due process. Other members include Barristers Mohammed AbdusSalam, Esther Akerele, and Kolawole Majaro.
Security and Protocol
Former military and police officers such as Col. Gbenga Adegbola (Rtd) and CSP Olufemi Akande (Rtd) are entrusted with security arrangements during the campaign and election.
Internal Affairs and Election Management
Hon. Lasun Adebunmi leads the Internal Affairs Committee, while the Election Management Committee is chaired by Hon. Rasaq Folorunsho, with support from Hon. Olatunbosun Oladele and Hon. Kehinde Lawoore.
Contact, Mobilization and Youth Engagement
To ensure effective grassroots penetration, the party has constituted expansive mobilization teams:
Contact and Mobilization Committee: Led by Alhaji Adeshina Alabi, with members such as Prof. Abideen Olaiya, Alhaji Ambali Abiodun, and over 40 political actors across all wards of Ibadan North.
Youth Engagement Committee: Chaired by Prince John Aremu, includes youth leaders and emerging political voices like Comrade Christiana Olowofela and Hon. Muideen Babatunde Bello.
Special Youth Engagement: Under the leadership of Barr. Adewale Akinremi, this committee focuses on energizing young voters and first-time electorates.
Community and Strategic Engagement
This committee is chaired by Hon. Wasiu Emiola and includes grassroots leaders like Barr. Waheed Olatunde Lawal and Hon. Kolade Awojobi. Their mandate is to deepen voter education, foster issue-based engagement, and expand voter reach within and beyond Ibadan North.
Queens’ Squad and Women Mobilization
Recognizing the critical role of women in the electoral process, the party formed the Queens’ Squad, led by Alhaja Tinuade Adigun. This female-centered team includes respected women leaders across religious and community lines, aiming to mobilize women voters across all units.
The Oyo APC Chairman, Pharm. Abas, emphasized that the elaborate structure reflects the party’s commitment to reclaiming Ibadan North Federal Constituency through a united, strategic, and people-driven campaign.
He urged all members, leaders, and support groups to rally around the candidate, Hon. Haastrup, whom he described as a “tested and trusted party loyalist with a track record of grassroots service.”
The August 16 bye-election follows the vacancy of the seat in the House of Representatives due to the unfortunate demise of the former lawmaker representing the constituency.
With the unveiling of the campaign machinery, the APC is expected to commence ward-to-ward canvassing, town hall meetings, and media engagements in the days ahead, signaling the start of an intense electoral push.
