highlights 28-Year Imbalance
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Hussaini Yusuf Ijabah, has formally declared his intention to contest the Oyo North Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, spotlighting what he described as a 28-year imbalance in political representation within the district.
Ijabah, a native of Ward 3 in Irepo LGA of Oyo State, said his decision is driven by the need to correct longstanding inequities affecting the Irepo/Oorelope/Olorunsogo federal constituency,an area he noted has yet to produce a senator since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
“This is not just about ambition; It is about justice. For nearly three decades, a critical bloc within Oyo North has been excluded from the highest legislative representation. That gap must be addressed.”, he stated.
A review of senatorial representation in Oyo North Senatorial District has revealed a persistent imbalance among its four federal constituencies since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, with one bloc yet to produce a senator, 𝗜tvNews𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 can aauthoritatively report.
The district, located in Oyo State, comprises Ogbomoso North/ Ogbomoso South/Oriire; Iseyin/ Kajola/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa; Saki West/Saki East/Atisbo; and Irepo/ Oorelope/Olorunsogo federal constituencies.
Findings by this Newspaper show that the Ogbomoso axis has produced two senators within the period under review. Yemi Yusuf Brimo represented the district from 1999 to 2003, while Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari has held the seat since 2015 and is expected to complete his tenure in 2027.
In the Iseyin/ Kajola/ Itesiwaju/ Iwajowa constituency, representation has alternated between Andrew Abidemi Gbenga Babalola, who served from 2007 to 2011, and Hosea Ayoola Agboola, who held office from 2011 to 2015.
Similarly,the Saki West/Saki East/Atisbo federal constituency produced Robert B. Koleoso, who served a single term between 2003 and 2007.
In contrast, the Irepo/Oorelope/ Olorunsogo federal constituency often referred to as the Old Irepo axis has not produced a senator in the 28 years since the advent of the current democratic dispensation.
Ijabah framed his candidacy as part of a broader push for fairness and inclusivity, arguing that equitable rotation of political offices is essential for unity and balanced development across the district.
Beyond the equity argument, Ijabah outlined a policy agenda centered on rural development, infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, and healthcare. He emphasized the need to move beyond short-term political patronage toward sustainable economic growth.
“Our people deserve practical solutions and better roads for farmers, real job opportunities for youths,and accessible healthcare,” he said.
He also pledged to run an open and accountable leadership style, promising regular engagement with constituents and transparency in representation.