On the 25th of February, 2023, Distinguished Senator Buhari AbdulFatai Ph.D stood for an election that would cement his legacy as a veteran politician, undisputed grassroot mobilizer and lawmaker extraordinaire.

That election, his 5th in the 4th Republic placed him on the rare pedestal of exclusive Nigerians on the roll call of legislators in the hollow chamber of the National Assembly to have won election in four different electoral cycles.

To an extent, that last contest, tough as it was, also shed light on the quiet power of his politics, deep connection to his constituency, and the gradual but incremental trust he has built over time with the people in the face of ruthless opponents willing to throw caution to the wind, stretch campaign rhetoric to its limit and fight like hell just to win at the poll.

Four years earlier in 2019, Senator Buhari had stood on the precipice of history, wresting to outwit the second term jinx that has come to define the politics of Oyo North Senatorial district since the dawn of the new republic. In the space between 1999 and 2015, for example, no single senator, regardless of his performance or scorecard in office had won the votes of the people to return to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly for a second term.

Consider the likes of Senators Buraimoh Yemi Yusuf, Robert Koleoso, Andrew Gbenga Babalola and Hosea Ayoola Agboola who had tried to leverage their power to return to the senate to no avail. So, when the 2019 election loomed, tension rose in Senator Buhari’s camp with many wondering whether the Ogbomoso born politician would succeed where others have failed. But as the election results trickled in that year, it became evident that history was about to be made and the longstanding jinx about to be shattered.

By contrast, the 2023 election was different all together. From the outset, the scale and intensity of campaign of calumny, mudslinging, vilification and media trial that were directed at Senator Fatai Buhari would have jolted many politicians to buckle. Not BAF. He stood his ground, stuck to his guns, refined his strategy, and trust the electorates to hire their next senator in a free, fair and transparent election.

As the day paved the way for the night and election results began to drop from one unit to another, one ward to another and one local government to another across the 13 local government areas, the name Buhari peremptorily rented the air and his supporters swiftly and joyfully took to the streets to celebrate their hard-won victory – one that will take years to match and surpass.

Of course, for the first time in the history of Oyo State, Senator Fatai Buhari’s emergence in the 2023 elections placed him at a vantage position of becoming the first in the state to win Senatorial election three times in a row. In fact, what many had considered an impossible task turned out to be the launch pad for the senator’s latest gubernatorial aspiration.

Out of many politicians, Senator Buhari stands as a man of his words; consistently and confidently handling the rigors of his assignment with unimaginable ease. For one thing, Senator BAF has distinguished himself as a broadly strategic politician who says what he means and mean what he says – regardless of whose ox is gored. Unlike other politicians who only showed up when election beckons, Senator Buhari’s consistent presence and constant connection with his constituency whether during or after election has made him a cynosure of all eyes.

Instead of wrestling with political pigs in the last election for instance, Senator Buhari choose the path of dignity, honor and respect and in return got rewarded for staying true to his values and for sticking with his vision. His time has been marked by various epochal moments and developmental strides.

Whereas other politicians, once in power, often consider themselves bigger and superior to the party under whose platform they clinched power. Not Senator Buhari. He is a core party man whose loyalty to the supremacy and superiority of the party and those saddled with the party’s affairs remain unmatched. In a way, he believes in the sacredness of the party not just as a vehicle for actualization of personal aspirations but as critical to the survival of democracy.

Impressively, Senator Buhari’s winning streak is not just the reflections of his outstanding performance in office but an outcome of a united party working round the clock to ensure his victory at every poll. In a chaotic political environment where elected officials believe in the subjugation of the party for their whims and caprices, Senator Buhari’s approach at recognizing the crucial role of political party in democratic dispensation underscore his democratic credentials. He is by far one of the fewest Nigerian politicians who believes a political party can run successfully with minimal intervention and interference from elected officials.

Last year, to the chagrin of his traducers, the distinguished Senator dropped a bombshell: in 2027, he would seek a higher office. But that wasn’t the crux of the bombshell. He added with unmistakable assurance that he would no longer throw his hat into the ring of his senatorial district. “Someone better should take the baton and represent the good people of this senatorial district”, he enthused in that radio interview.

For a man whose words can be banked on, that assurance marked the end of an extraordinary era and the revelation of a leader who understand the essence of bowing out when the ovation is loudest. As the Senator set his tactical eyes on the securing the gubernatorial ticket of his party, the All-Progressives Congress, there is no doubt that his extensive years in both private sector and public service will place him at the echelon of serious contenders vying to take over from Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027.

Not surprisingly, he asked both his party and the wider electorates to judge his aspiration based on his track record of performance, and his ability to deliver at the poll irrespective of the formidability of his opponents. Of course, out of many, he is definitely one with the rare leadership ability to serve in the utmost interest and deliver democratic dividends in a way never seen before.

Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The meeting comes weeks after Makinde’s much-talked-about encounter with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at the residence of former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in Minna, Niger State, a meeting that was described as coincidental.

Although details of Monday’s engagement were not made public as of press time, the development has further stirred political conversations, given the recent high-profile interactions involving the Oyo State governor.

Kwankwaso recently returned to the country through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following what the NNPP termed “strategic international engagements” in India.

His return also comes amid reports of a proposed bill before the United States Congress in which he was named among individuals recommended for targeted sanctions over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, president of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation has joined the family, friends and academic community to celebrate a woman whose life has been devoted to the pursuit of knowledge, excellence and service — Prof. Paulina Oluremi Adesemowo on her 80th birthday anniversary.

Amofin Adeoye said Prof. Adesemowo’s distinguished career as a scholar has not only enriched the intellectual landscape of tertiary institutions but also shaped generations of students who proudly carry the touch of her wisdom and guidance.

The legal icon hailed the Prof. Adesemowo’s commitment to scholarship, research and character development. Amofin Adeoye said the octogenarian is a shining example of what true leadership in academia represents.

Amofin Adeoye remarked that Prof. Adesemowo has demonstrated that education is not merely about acquiring certificates but about nurturing minds through her founded school in Ijebu-Igbo, thereby inspiring innovation and instilling values that build society.

Amofin Adeoye deeply appreciated the crucial role scholars like Prof. Adesemowo played in the development of nation.

Amofin Adeoye prayed that may the remaining days of Prof. Adesemowo filled with peace, strength, and fulfillment.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, has commended the Agbaakin of Oyo Town for declining what they tag “Ade Paali” from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

This was obtained in a programme where the monarch described the Agbaakin’s decision as a demonstration of integrity, loyalty to tradition, and respect for the cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.

He noted that chieftaincy rites and the conferment of traditional symbols must strictly follow laid-down customs and protocols.

The Alaafin emphasized that the sanctity of Oyo’s traditional institutions must be preserved and shielded from political interference or actions that could undermine long-standing royal procedures.

According to him, the throne of Oyo remains guided by ancestral principles that regulate the installation of chiefs and the presentation of traditional insignia.

The development has since generated discussions within political and traditional circles in Oyo State, as stakeholders weigh in on the intersection of governance and customary authority.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, president of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, party leaders and members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP Kajola LGA chapter over the death of Alhaji O.K Salam, overall chairman of Stakeholders Forum.

Amofin Adeoye described Alhaji Salam’s departure as a monumental loss not only to PDP but the entire political family in Kajola LGA and beyond. Amofin said the late overall chairman of Stakeholders Forum was a rallying point for unity, dialogue and progressive engagement within the PDP.

The legal icon who shared the same federal constituency with the deceased said late Alhaji Salam demonstrated rare leadership qualities marked by wisdom, patience and strong commitment to strengthening the party structure at grassroots.

Amofin Adeoye extolled late Alhaji Salam that he believed firmly in consultation, inclusion and collective decision-making which has helped to stabilise and reposition the party in Kajola LGA.

The guber aspirant, Adeoye said he had the privilege of witnessing Alhaji Salam’s passion for service and his dedication to the ideals of democracy when he met Alhaji Salam recently for consultation on his guber bid.

The legal icon recounted his moments with Alhaji Salam and concluded that he wasn’t just a party leader; he was a mentor, a bridge-builder and sla father figure to many whose counsel was thoughtful.

Amofin Adeoye concluded that Alhaji Salam has departed physically, he remarked that his legacy of unity, resilience and service will continue to guide the collective journey of PDP. He prayed that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest.

At the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Congress in Oyo State, party faithful in Itesiwaju Local Government have elected new executives in what observers described as a peaceful, transparent and well-coordinated exercise.

The congress, held as part of the statewide party process, witnessed broad participation from stakeholders and members across the local government area.

Segun Oyewole emerged as chairman, following a consensus affirmation that retained the existing local government executives. The affirmation process was conducted by the party’s designated representatives and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Party leaders in Itesiwaju Local Government said the decision to retain the executives was aimed at sustaining the legacy of the former state chairman, Chief Ajiboye Omodewu, whose tenure was widely acknowledged by members as impactful and unifying.

The exercise was described by participants as free, fair and rancour-free, reflecting unity and continuity within the party structure at the grassroots level.

The House of Representatives hopeful in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulwasiu Ajao, popularly known as Danladi, has commended members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as a peaceful and hitch-free ward and local government congress across Akinyele and Lagelu.

In a statement released shortly after the exercise, the aspirant congratulated the newly elected ward and local government executives, party leaders, and members for their commitment to unity and internal democracy. He applauded the peaceful conduct of the process, noting that the orderly exercise reflects the strength, maturity, and cohesion of the party at the grassroots level.

Danladi particularly appreciated party members for maintaining decorum throughout the congress and praised party leaders for ensuring inclusiveness by carrying all stakeholders along in the decision-making process. According to him, the success of the exercise demonstrates the party’s readiness to consolidate its achievements and strengthen its structure ahead of future elections.

“The peaceful atmosphere and transparency that characterized the congress show the spirit of unity within our great party,” he stated, adding that such harmony would further promote stability and progress within the party fold.

The federal lawmaker hopeful expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly elected executives to provide purposeful leadership at both ward and local government levels. He emphasized that their tenure over the next four years would play a critical role in strengthening the party’s grassroots mobilization and positioning it for electoral success.

He also expressed optimism that the leadership of the new executives would help catapult the party to victory in the 2027 general elections, urging them to remain committed to service, fairness, and the collective interest of party members.
Danladi reaffirmed his continued dedication to the growth and unity of the party in Akinyele and Lagelu Federal Constituency, while calling on members to sustain the spirit of cooperation and support the new leadership for the overall progress of the party.