By Muhammad Mamman
A robust security presence gripped Ibadan North Federal Constituency on Saturday as voters turned out for a critical by-election, prompted by the death of House of Assembly member Olajide Akinremi on July 10, 2024. The late lawmaker, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), left a void that has drawn intense political and public attention to this electoral contest.
As early as 7:00 a.m., a formidable coalition of Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian Army personnel patrolled major roads and strategic locations, including Adamasingba, Agodi-Gate, the University of Ibadan junction, Mokola, Sango–UI Road, Housing Corporation, Bodija, Secretariat, and Bodija Market–UI Road. Their mission: to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process.
Security forces maintained strict control, allowing only election-related movement while redirecting others. Voters, undeterred, proceeded to polling units in an orderly fashion under the vigilant watch of law enforcement.
The heavy security deployment underscores the significance of this by-election, as Ibadan North residents cast their ballots to choose a new representative in a race that could shape the region’s political landscape.
