Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who currently represents Oyo North Senatorial District, has officially announced that he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2027, declaring his intention to contest for the governorship of Oyo State instead.
Speaking during an interview with Parrot FM, a local radio station in Ogbomoso, Senator Buhari revealed that he is ready to bring his legislative career to a close after three terms in the Senate and one term in the House of Representatives. He described his time in the National Assembly as a rewarding journey but affirmed that his political ambition now lies in the executive arm of government.
“This is my third term as a senator and the fourth time I’m in the National Assembly. I’ve contributed my quota as a legislator. What I’m really interested in now is to serve as the governor of Oyo State, by God’s grace,” he said.
Buhari, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that even if the Senate ticket for Oyo North is zoned to his constituency again, he would not return to the National Assembly, insisting that his focus is solely on contesting the governorship position.
Confirming the development, his senior legislative aide, Afeez Kilani, said that the senator’s vast experience and consistent engagement with constituents position him as a credible contender for the state’s top job. He added that Senator Buhari has received encouragement from various quarters within and outside the party to run for governor.
Buhari, who began his legislative career in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives, is known for his work on transportation and infrastructure development, particularly during his time as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation.
Outlining his plans for Oyo State if elected governor, the senator emphasized agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. He proposed improved access to funding for farmers through institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture, as well as the extension of railway infrastructure to rural areas to ease the movement of farm produce.
While refraining from direct criticism of the current state administration, Buhari suggested that his approach to governance would be results-driven, pointing to former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu’s leadership model as one worth emulating, especially in terms of assembling capable individuals to manage various sectors of government.
Senator Buhari’s declaration is expected to intensify political activities within the APC in Oyo State as the 2027 general election approaches.
