A recent interview granted by Senator Abdul Fatai Buhari, lawmaker representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has sparked controversy over the ongoing advocacy for Governorship Power Rotation in Oyo State, according to a statement signed by Ẹgbé Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa.
The Senator’s statistics on the voting percentage of the five regions in Oyo State have been disputed, with the group questioning the accuracy of his claims.
According to the statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, Senator Buhari said Ibadan has 51% of the voting population, Oke-Ogun has 22%, Ogbomoso has 18%, Oyo has 7%, and Ibarapa has 3%. However, a simple summation of these figures adds up to 101%, not 100%, raising concerns about the validity of his data.
In contrast, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) data for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Oyo State presents a different picture. According to INEC, Ibadan has 40.6% of the total votes cast, Oke-Ogun has 30.9%, Ogbomoso has 13.1%, Oyo has 9.8%, and Ibarapa has 5.5%.
The discrepancy in the figures has led to questions about Senator Buhari’s intentions and his commitment to the power rotation agenda.
The group expressed concerns about Senator Buhari’s suitability to lead the advocacy for power rotation, given his statistics and comments.
The group emphasized that Oke-Ogun will produce the Governor of Oyo State in 2027, and Senator Buhari’s comments are seen as an attempt to undermine this aspiration. The statement concluded by urging the people of Oke-Ogun to be vigilant and wise up to the Senator’s intentions.
According to the group, “The non-negotiable truth is that, God-willing, Oke-Ogun will produce the Governor of Oyo State in 2027. This is possible, achievable, and doable, and the earlier Senator Buhari flows with what God and the people of God want, the better.”
