Christopher Odianarewo, National Secretary of the PDP National Rebranding Forum, has attributed the party’s victory in Saturday’s Ibadan North by-election to Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership.

Mr Odianarewo, also convener of Progressive Youths for Makinde’s Presidency 2027, said in a statement on Monday that Nigeria needed the governor at the national stage. He described PDP’s victory in the by-election as proof of the people’s trust in Makinde’s governance.

According to him, people in Oyo State and Nigerians at large hold an unwavering faith in Makinde’s leadership style and achievements.

“This victory underscores a simple truth: when leaders govern with sincerity, vision, and accountability, the people will rally behind them,” Mr Odianarewo said.

He added that Makinde had consistently demonstrated that governance meant tangible impact, citing people-centred policies, infrastructural growth, economic empowerment, and inclusive decision-making.

Mr Odianarewo noted that the triumph was a pointer to 2027, stressing that Mr Makinde represents the progressive leadership Nigeria urgently needs on the national stage. He maintained that Makinde’s governance model should be replicated beyond Oyo State for the greater good of the nation.

According to him, the Ibadan North result shows Nigerians are no longer swayed by rhetoric but by results. He explained that voters rewarded PDP not out of mere party loyalty but because Makinde had made the party a symbol of responsive governance.

Mr Odianarewo said the governor’s achievements in education, health, youth empowerment, and infrastructural renewal had rekindled hope in democracy. He added that these had proved politics could truly work for the common man.

“The people have spoken loudly through the ballot at Ibadan North. They trust PDP, they trust Makinde, and they want continuity,” he said.

He stressed that the victory strengthened the resolve of PDP’s National Rebranding Forum and Progressive Youths to mobilise Nigerians for a new dawn of hope and unity. According to him, the mandate in Ibadan North is a call to deepen good governance, build national cohesion, and restore Nigeria’s place as Africa’s beacon of progress.

“The PDP victory is not just for Ibadan North. It is a victory for democracy, for good governance, and for the Nigerian people,” he added.

PDP’s Folajimi Oyekunle defeated APC’s Adewale Olatunji by 18,530 votes to 8,266 in the by-election.

(NAN)