Oyo 2027: Remi Oseni drops guber ambition, set to run for Senate after Tinubu’s intervention

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

IBADAN – The member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Remi Oseni, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 Oyo State governorship race, opting instead to contest for a seat in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

Oseni made this disclosure during a high-powered stakeholders' meeting held in Ibadan on Wednesday. Addressing party leaders and supporters, the lawmaker revealed that his change of plans followed a direct intervention and "marching orders" from President Bola Tinubu.

Recounting the sequence of events, Oseni noted that his mother, a former First Lady, first alerted him to the President’s commendation of his legislative performance. This was followed by a formal summons to the President’s private residence in Lagos.

"The President told me, 'Remi, I have heard a lot about you and your ambition, but you have to go for the Senatorial seat because of the people who are in front of me,'" Oseni told the gathered stakeholders.

The lawmaker admitted that while the directive was initially difficult to accept given his long-standing preparations for the Agodi Government House, he chose to prioritize party loyalty and the President’s wisdom.

"I was not happy with the decision because it is a different thing entirely from what we had in mind, which was the governorship of the state. However, I have to honor the President. I agreed to run for the Senatorial seat, but I cannot do it alone. That is why I have convened this meeting to seek your support as the plan has changed," he added.

The meeting, covered by Apreel 1 News, saw party stalwarts praising Oseni for his humility and "superior loyalty" to the APC leadership. Supporters at the event noted that while the governorship bid has been shelved, Oseni's track record in his constituency provides a formidable foundation for his new Senatorial quest.