What I Told Tinubu At Abuja Meeting – Buhari Speaks On APC’s Chances In Oyo 2027 Governorship, Presidential Elections

Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, three-term lawmaker representing Oyo North Senatorial District for the third consecutive term, has expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s chances in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship and presidential elections, saying President Bola Tinubu has agreed to address key demands from the region.

Buhari stated this during an appearance on Arise TV monitored by OYOINSIGHT.COM on Monday night, where he discussed the party’s electoral prospects, his meeting with Tinubu in Abuja and demands he said he presented to the President.

According to the senator, Oyo is one of the states that will determine the outcome of the next election, with Oyo North playing a crucial role in deciding who wins the state.

He recalled that Tinubu had told him the party must win Oyo State, adding that he assured the President there was no problem.

Buhari said he believed the APC had an advantage because of the commitments he said the President had made to the region.

“Since 1999, Oyo North determines who wins in Oyo State. Ibadan has the highest number of votes, truly, but they also have the highest number of candidates who split the votes,” he said.

The senator, however, declined to disclose the APC’s strategy for the elections, saying the party was working towards securing victory in the state.

Speaking about his meeting with Tinubu in Abuja, Buhari said he presented demands for federal projects and infrastructure that he believed would benefit Oyo North.

He said that when he first contested for the Senate, the area lacked a federal government secondary school and a university.

Buhari also recalled telling the president in the presence of Executive Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service, Hon. Zacch Adedeji, about the need for a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Igboho, saying he asked for the facility to be approved.

“In Oyo, we don’t have a Federal Medical Centre. We need one in Igboho. If you can sign it, we are fine,” he said, recounting his appeal.

The senator further said he requested a military formation in Oriire Local Government Area following the kidnapping of children in the area.

He argued that the presence of a military formation could deter criminals from carrying out further attacks, adding that Tinubu had assured him the request would be addressed.

Buhari said the commitments, alongside the party’s performance and the President’s public image, would form part of the APC’s appeal to voters in 2027.

“In politics, we have what we call scorecard. When you have that and personality, people will vote for you. Because he promised to give us both, it’s a done deal,” he said.

On the governorship election and Governor Seyi Makinde’s candidacy, Buhari said the APC had its own strategy but would not disclose its plans publicly.

He also addressed vote buying, arguing that giving money to voters did not guarantee their support at the ballot box.

“People will take your money and not vote for you,” he said, adding that the APC intended to tell voters about Tinubu’s promises and rely on that to secure their support.

The senator also dismissed the controversy surrounding the Senate’s handling of the proposal to return all former House leaders, describing the episode as “just a theatre.” He argued that some of those involved did not understand the rules, adding that such matters could play out differently in practice.