Senator Abdulfatai Buhari has openly declared his intention to run for governor of Oyo State, revealing that his time in the National Assembly may be drawing to a close after nearly two decades of legislative service.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on Parrot Dm, an Ogbomoso-based media platform, the veteran lawmaker, who currently represents Oyo North Senatorial District, said he is ready to shift his political focus from legislation to executive leadership.
“This is the third time I would be a senator and the fourth time I would go to the National Assembly. I’m a core legislator. I’ve tried,” he stated.
“But what I really want to do, if God grants me, is to become the governor of Oyo State.”
Buhari, a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), firmly stated that he has no intention of seeking another Senate term, even if the ticket is once again zoned to Ogbomoso.
“Even if they bring the Senate to our side again or and the Oke Ogun are given another thing, I won’t come out as a senator anymore unless it is for governor,” he affirmed.
He emphasized the importance of grooming younger political aspirants, saying,
“Let another person do it. We will train some of those coming behind us to contest. We will train him, and he will excel.”
Senator Buhari, often referred to as a “Tinubu-like” legislator for his longevity and strategic positioning in the Senate, has had a distinguished legislative career. He has chaired and served on several influential Senate committees, including ICT & Cybercrime, Land and Marine Transport, and Aviation. His political journey began in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, and Oriire Federal Constituency.