The Remo Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for August 16, 2025, has taken on the air of a mini–general election. With four major parties — the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) — in the race, the political atmosphere in the constituency is charged with anticipation, strategy, and subtle tension. Each candidate enters the contest with unique advantages and challenges, and the outcome will depend heavily on voter sentiment, party machinery, and ground mobilisation.
The APC, as the ruling party in both Ogun State and the federal government, enters the race with the weight of incumbency and a tested political structure. Adesola Elegbeji, the APC candidate, is campaigning on the argument that the late Adewunmi Onanuga’s mandate belongs to the party and should be completed by one of its own. This message resonates with party loyalists and those who value political continuity. However, the APC must navigate the undercurrent of dissatisfaction among some constituents who feel the party could do more in addressing grassroots economic concerns.
The PDP’s candidate comes into the race with a different narrative — one built on the need for change and a return to what they frame as “inclusive representation.” The party has a strong history in Remo politics, especially in pockets of Sagamu and Ikenne where its grassroots mobilisation is formidable. The challenge for the PDP is overcoming the perception that it has not offered a radically different governance approach in states where it currently holds sway. Their campaign hinges on convincing voters that this bye-election is an opportunity to rebalance political power in Ogun.
The Labour Party, buoyed by the national momentum it gained during the 2023 general elections, is positioning its candidate, Michael Adewale Adesanya, as the fresh, ideas-driven alternative. Adesanya’s background as a first-class graduate with international exposure and entrepreneurial success appeals to young voters and professionals. His emphasis on tech-driven job creation and economic diversification is forward-looking, but LP faces the structural weakness of limited ward-level organisation in some rural areas, where voter mobilisation often depends on long-standing party networks.
The ADC enters the fray with a reputation for consistency in fielding credible candidates in Ogun State elections. While not traditionally seen as a frontrunner, its candidate benefits from a “clean politics” image and a loyal but smaller base that could be pivotal in a tightly contested race. The ADC’s challenge will be breaking through the perception of being a “third-tier” option and convincing voters that a vote for them is not a wasted one.
Beyond party structures, the Remo bye-election will be shaped by the personalities of the candidates. Voters here tend to respond strongly to personal integrity, community engagement, and perceived accessibility. Door-to-door campaigning, attending local events, and having visible grassroots surrogates often matter more than social media presence. In this regard, all four candidates are intensifying physical outreach in the final stretch.
Another critical factor is voter turnout. Bye-elections typically witness lower participation compared to general elections, and whichever party can mobilise its base most effectively stands a better chance of securing victory. Political watchers note that the August timing — in the middle of the rainy season — could further depress turnout, making each vote even more decisive.
In the end, the Remo bye-election is more than just a contest for a legislative seat; it is a microcosm of Ogun politics, where incumbency, opposition resurgence, fresh ideas, and third-party persistence all collide. While the APC seeks to retain the seat as a matter of party pride, the PDP views it as a stepping stone toward a stronger presence in the state. The LP is chasing the dream of youth-led transformation, while the ADC is holding firm to its quiet but steady approach.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain — the people of Remo Federal Constituency will be sending a clear message about the kind of leadership they desire, not only for the remainder of this tenure but for the future political direction of Ogun State. The race is on, and in the streets of Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North, the campaign drums are beating louder with each passing day.
