APC Must Reassess Strategy After Ibadan North By-Election Defeat — Fagade

Oyo State, Nigeria — The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) must work harder and refine its strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections following its defeat in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

Fagade made the remarks on Monday during the commissioning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term campaign office in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The event, held at Iyana Church, Ibadan, drew several APC stakeholders, including Senator Hamzat Ademola Adeseun, Chief Timothy Kunle Sanda (former Lagelu LG Chairman), Hon. Remi Adebayo, Alhaji Bashiru Akanbi, Chief James Ajuwon, Hon. Sikiru Adebayo, and Mr. Gafar Oyebade.

In Saturday’s poll, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, emerged winner, defeating APC’s Adewale Haastrup Olatunji and other contenders.

Speaking with journalists, Fagade admitted that the outcome was a wake-up call for the APC.

“The by-election has shown us that there is still a lot of work to do,” he said. “We have learned valuable lessons and will come back stronger. This is my local government, and I will always be actively involved in strengthening the party here.”

Also addressing the gathering, Senator Adeseun emphasized that President Tinubu’s second term was “non-negotiable,” citing APC’s strong performance in recent by-elections across the country, where the party secured 12 out of 16 seats contested.

“This is our best opportunity, and we must maximize it. The results are proof that Nigerians are solidly behind President Tinubu,” he stated.

Similarly, Hon. Sikiru Adebayo, Coordinator of Tinubu’s campaign team in Lagelu LG, urged Nigerians to exercise patience, noting that the President was already addressing the challenges inherited from past administrations.

“We must give Mr. President the time and support needed to take Nigeria to the promised land,” he said.

By Adeola Olaniya | August 19, 2025