Ibadan, Nigeria – July 21, 2025
A cloud of controversy has enveloped the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State following the just-concluded primary election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, as two aspirants—Hon. Olusegun Olaniyi Olaleye (popularly known as Radical Brother) and Hon. Adewale Haastrup Olatunji (Murphy)—have both been declared winners in separate camps of the same party.
The bye-election, slated for August 16, 2025, is intended to fill the vacant seat at the House of Representatives for Ibadan North Federal Constituency. However, the party’s internal democracy has come under scrutiny after two separate announcements surfaced, each proclaiming a different winner.
Radical Brother Declared Winner by One Faction
Hon. Olusegun Olaniyi Olaleye, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and grassroots mobilizer, was declared winner by a faction of the APC that described the process as transparent and reflective of the will of delegates across the constituency. Popularly known as Radical Brother, Olaleye received overwhelming backing, particularly from youth and reform-minded party members.
In his post-election remarks, Olaleye stated:
“This victory is not mine alone — it belongs to every young person who believes in fearless representation, every elder who desires accountability, and every resident of Ibadan North who is tired of politics without purpose.”
He pledged to focus on legislative activism, youth empowerment, transparency in governance, and impactful constituency projects if elected.
Murphy Also Declares Victory in Parallel Process
Meanwhile, another candidate, Hon. Adewale Haastrup Olatunji, known as Murphy, also announced his emergence as the APC candidate in what appears to be a parallel primary process. Backed by a different bloc within the party and reportedly supported by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Murphy claimed victory after polling 31 out of 60 votes cast.
His supporters said the primary was orderly and conducted in line with party guidelines, with at least one contestant, Dr. Olaitan Victor, stepping down in his favour. In his acceptance speech, Murphy emphasized job creation and youth employment as central to his legislative agenda.
“This is a victory for unity and progress. I appreciate my co-contestants for their maturity and the leadership of our party for a smooth process,” Murphy noted.
APC in Dilemma as Crisis Looms
The emergence of two separate candidates has thrown the APC in Ibadan North into a state of uncertainty. Party faithful, observers, and members of the public are now awaiting an official clarification from the APC state and national leadership to determine the authentic flagbearer for the August 16 bye-election.
Analysts believe the dual declarations, if unresolved, could divide the party’s base and weaken its chances at the polls. It also raises concerns about internal cohesion and the credibility of APC’s candidate selection process.
Next Steps Await INEC and Party Leadership
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to publish the list of validly nominated candidates, pressure is mounting on the APC to present a united front and resolve the impasse swiftly.
Political stakeholders in Ibadan North and beyond are closely watching how the party navigates this test of unity, with implications that could reverberate into the 2027 general elections.
Whether Radical Brother or Murphy ultimately secures the party’s ticket, the real challenge may lie in healing the rift and rallying the base in time for a competitive bye-election.