House of Representatives member Aderemi Oseni has dropped his long-rumoured bid for the Oyo State governorship to contest for the Oyo South senatorial seat in 2027. Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on FERMA, made the announcement on Sunday at a meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders and Leaders' Forum.
The lawmaker's decision to pivot to the Senate represents a significant recalibration of his political strategy. His governorship ambition had been the subject of widespread speculation within political circles in the state, but he has now opted for what he considers a more viable pathway.
Oseni unveiled his senatorial ambition before an assembly of influential party elders and leaders from the Ibarapa zone, underscoring the importance he attached to securing the blessing of the grassroots leadership in his political base. The meeting served as a formal declaration of his intention to contest the seat.
The Oyo South senatorial district, which comprises Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, and Oyo East zones, has become a fresh political battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections. Oseni's entry into the race adds another layer of competition in what is expected to be a keenly contested election.
His decision to pursue the Senate seat rather than the governorship may be influenced by the existing power dynamics within the Oyo APC as the party positions itself for the 2027 elections. The senator elect will be determined by primary elections within the ruling party, provided it remains the dominant force in the state.
Oseni's profile as a ranking House member with committee leadership experience positions him as a credible contender for the upper chamber. His legislative work on road infrastructure through his FERMA committee role has given him some visibility in his constituency.
