Following the official declaration to run for the red chamber of the National Assembly, stakeholders across different parts of Oyo South Senatorial District are increasingly projecting former two-term federal lawmaker, Honorable Dada Awoleye, as a unifying figure with the capacity to bridge the district’s long-standing political divides.
The district, which comprises the five metropolitan Ibadan local governments alongside Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido, has historically demanded a candidate with both grassroots appeal and elite acceptance.
Stakeholders across parts of the district noted that Awoleye’s political trajectory appears to align with these expectations.
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Ibadan, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing political dynamics in the party, said Awoleye’s strength lies in his “rare ability to command respect across different blocs without provoking resistance.”
“Remember Hon. Awoleye was a former strongman of APC and a close ally of former governor, Late Abiola Ajimobi before joining governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP in 2020.
“What that tells you is that he still has his political tentacles, spread, and deeply connected within the APC in line with his ambition should he get the PDP senatorial ticket.
“Politics in Oyo South is not just about popularity, you must understand Ibadan’s structure, acknowledge Ibarapa’s concerns and still connect with emerging voters in Ido.
“Awoleye has operated across these layers before now. That gives him an edge,” the party chieftain said.
He pointed to the complexity of the district, where urban dominance often intersects with rural agitation, creating a delicate electoral balance.
According to him, Awoleye’s previous experience in the National Assembly has positioned him as a figure familiar with both legislative demands and constituency expectations.
Another party leader from Ibarapa Central noted that the former lawmaker has maintained a consistent relationship with the zone, an area that has often complained of marginalisation in the broader Oyo South political equation.
“Our people are not just looking for promises again, we want inclusion and visibility. Dada Awoleye has been present over time, not only during elections. That consistency matters to us,” the leader said.
In Ibadan, where electoral outcomes are largely determined, support for Awoleye appears to be driven by a mix of political calculation and familiarity.
A party youth coordinator in Ibadan North described him as “one of the few politicians who can speak both the language of the grassroots and that of the elites.”
“He understands grassroot politics. He knows what it takes to mobilise at Oke Ado, at Iwo Road, and even in student areas like Agbowo, that kind of balance is not common,” the coordinator said.
Beyond party lines, some stakeholders argue that Awoleye’s acceptability could also play a role in easing tensions often associated with intra-party contests.
A non partisan political observer in Ibadan South-West said his profile suggests “less friction and more coalition-building.”
“In a district like Oyo South, you don’t win by fighting everyone, you win by aligning interests quietly. Awoleye appears to have built those relationships over time,” he said.
While other political heavyweights within the opposition parties continue to test their structures across the district, Awoleye’s supporters insist his experience and reach place him in a strong position ahead of any formal declarations.
A former colleague at the National Assembly described him as “a lawmaker who understood representation beyond Abuja.”
“He paid attention to his constituency. That record is what people are remembering now,” the associate said.
Though the race for Oyo South remains open and fluid, the growing impression around Awoleye has reinforced a familiar pattern in the district’s politics which is the search for a candidate who can win not just by numbers, but by balance.
As one of the stakeholder simply put it, “In Oyo South, the best candidate is not always the loudest. It is the one who can carry Ibadan, reassure Ibarapa and still win Ido. Many believe Dada Awoleye fits that description.”
