Aides to Late Rep. Akinremi Jagaban Abstain From Ibadan North APC Bye-Election Activities
A group comprising the former personal aides, confidants, and close supporters of the late Hon. Olaide Akinremi, the former representative for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, have announced their decision to abstain from all campaign activities related to the upcoming bye-election. The election, scheduled for August 16, 2025, will fill the seat left vacant by Akinremi’s passing in July 2024.
In a public statement released by the Akinremi Think Tank, the group cited disappointing dispositions, unprovoked hatred, outrageous labelling, overbearing toxicity, and continuous verbal attacks from party leaders and members within the Ibadan North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They also implicated “a few collaborators” within the Oyo State APC Executive.
The statement, signed by key figures including Akinremi’s former Media Aide, Mr. Micheal Adegbuyi, and his Personal Assistant, Mr. Azeez Shittu, detailed a pattern of intimidation and violence that they claim has plagued the party since the late lawmaker’s death.
“It is deeply concerning and disappointing that the Ibadan North APC is now a party characterized by threats, intimidation, violence, attacks, assaults, and inhumane approaches,” the statement read. The group lamented a lack of respect for “human feelings, emotions, and sanctity,” arguing that the party is now driven solely by “political interests and end gains.”
The Think Tank alleged that the situation has escalated to direct physical assaults and threats of bodily harm to them and their families. A specific incident was highlighted in the statement, where they claimed Mr. Azeez Shittu was “physically assaulted at our general Akinremi Legacy Forum meeting by sponsored thugs within the Ibadan North APC” on Monday, July 14, 2025. The group asserted that other members were also directly threatened at the same time.
While stating that they have forgiven the perpetrators of the assault, the group maintained they would not pretend that nothing happened or that such behavior can be swept under the carpet for the sake of political expediency.
The statement concluded with a clear declaration: “our stand is clear, we are staying away from the Ibadan North APC in the course of this bye-election for our own peace of mind and personal safety.”
The decision by Akinremi’s core support group to disengage from the campaign could be a significant blow to the APC’s efforts in the constituency. The late lawmaker was a popular figure, and his aides and confidants represent a dedicated bloc of supporters whose participation could have been crucial for the party’s candidate.
