Ibadan North By-election: This Is Only a Setback, Not the End – APC Candidate 'Murphy' Speaks Out

Hon. (Sir) Adewale “Murphy” Olatunji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the recently concluded Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, has expressed deep appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters for their steadfast support, despite the party's defeat at the polls.

In a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, Olatunji described the by-election experience as “the audacity of hope,” referencing Ecclesiastes 9:11: “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but time and chance happen to them all.”

He commended the leadership of the Oyo State APC, led by Alhaji (Pharm.) Olayide Abass; the Ibadan North Local Government chapter, under Alhaji Taofik Olayiwola; and the by-election campaign council chaired by Rt. Hon. Akin Alabi, for their dedication and coordination throughout the process.

Olatunji also extended gratitude to the national leadership of the APC, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); and various National Assembly members, for their support and encouragement during the campaign.

“Your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and unrelenting passion were the driving force behind our campaign,” he said, praising the grassroots mobilisation and strategic planning that fuelled the effort.

He further acknowledged the invaluable support of his family, traditional elders of Ibadanland, community leaders, religious groups, and other stakeholders who invested time, energy, and resources into his candidacy.

Though the outcome of the election was not favourable, Olatunji maintained that the collective efforts were not in vain.

“Even though the election was lost, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you, from the campaign chairmen to the committed members for your invaluable contributions. I salute your hard work, late nights, and early mornings. Though the result didn’t reflect our hopes, the sacrifices we made were noble and significant.”

He also paid tribute to fellow aspirants who contested in the election, emphasizing the divine nature of leadership and political outcomes.

“Ultimately, God, as the decider of all things, gives power and position to whosoever He chooses,” he remarked.

Olatunji urged his supporters not to view the election loss as the end of his political aspirations.

“This episode is just a bend, not the end,” he declared. “In the meantime, I salute the courage of all patriots who stood by us while the race lasted. May we continue to work together to build a brighter future for our party, our constituency, our dear state, and our great nation, Nigeria. So help us God.”

He concluded the statement by reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and his commitment to the development of Ibadan North, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole.