Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party's consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The endorsement took place during a high-level leadership summit held in Samonda, Ibadan, on Friday.
Leadership Summit and Endorsement
The summit was convened to affirm Alli's candidacy and build unity among party stakeholders. Senator Ayo Adeseun, a prominent APC leader, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations and was reinforced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's position. Adeseun revealed that he had met with the President in Abuja, where Tinubu provided strong justification for backing Alli.
“Mr. President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration,” Adeseun stated. He noted that Alli had already declared his intention to contest the governorship seat prior to the endorsement.
Support from Party Leaders
Another leader, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, reaffirmed the party's position, disclosing that he also held discussions with President Tinubu, who endorsed Alli as the preferred candidate. Ibikunle called on other aspirants within the APC to align with the consensus decision for the sake of party unity and electoral success. He stressed that internal cohesion is critical for the APC to mount a formidable challenge in the upcoming governorship race.
The summit saw a large turnout of party leaders, stakeholders, and representatives from all geopolitical zones of Oyo State and its 33 local councils, underscoring the significance of the endorsement.
Alli's Response
In his response, Alli thanked the leaders and party members for their support and promised to deliver inclusive governance. He assured them that he would not disappoint, and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for providing guidance to the party in the state.
With this development, the APC in Oyo State appears to be consolidating its ranks early, positioning Alli as the focal point of its 2027 governorship ambition while aiming to avoid internal divisions that affected past electoral outcomes.
Notable Leaders Present
Among the notable leaders at the summit were Chief Akin Oke, former Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Akin Olajide, Alhaji Raufu Bello, Pa Ajisafe Kamarudeen, Alhaji Audu Marafa, Chief MKO Laoye, Chief Ahmed Ayinla Adeyemo, Niran Adeyoju, Chief Kehinde Balogun, Chief Omilabu Ghandi, and Sola Ogunbode. Others included Alhaji Kensington, George Akintola, Waheed Olajide, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, Basir Akanbi, Segun Odebunmi, Ayo Adeseun, Sina Alabi, Rotimi Ajanaku, Ibrahim Bolomope, Kayode Fagunma, Shakiru Fajinmi, Wasiu Akinmoyede Olafisoye, Remi Odetomi, Tajudeen Salaudeen, Rotimi Ajanaku, DA Lawal, Lowo Obisesan, and Lanre Otiti.
