The apex leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus candidate for the Oyo 2027 governorship election.
This move signals a major step toward early political alignment within the party and sets the stage for a coordinated campaign. The endorsement was ratified during a high-level leadership summit held in Samonda, Ibadan, where prominent party stakeholders across the state converged to deliberate on the party’s future and electoral strategy ahead of the next general elections.
Tinubu’s Influence on the Oyo State APC Consensus
Speaking at the gathering, Senator (Chief) Hamzat Ayo Adeseun explained that the meeting was convened primarily to affirm Senator Alli’s candidacy and build consensus among party leaders. According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations and was further strengthened by the position of President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement.
Adeseun revealed that he had previously met with the President in Abuja, where Tinubu reportedly provided strong justification for backing Alli as the party’s standard-bearer in Oyo State.
He emphasised that, as the national leader of the APC, the President’s preference carries significant weight and should be respected by party members.
“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.
Senator Senator noted that Alli had already declared his intention to contest the governorship seat prior to the official Oyo State APC consensus endorsement.
Stakeholder Support for the Oyo 2027 Governorship Election
In a similar vein, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Director of the South West Development Commission, reaffirmed the position of the party leadership regarding the Oyo 2027 governorship election.
He disclosed that he also held discussions with President Tinubu, who, according to him, endorsed Alli as the preferred candidate for the upcoming race in Oyo State.
Ibikunle called on other aspirants within the APC to align with the consensus decision in the interest of party unity and electoral success. He stressed that internal cohesion would be critical for the APC to mount a formidable challenge in the forthcoming governorship race.
The summit witnessed a large turnout of party leaders, stakeholders, and representatives from all geopolitical zones of Oyo State, underscoring the significance of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli endorsement.
A Unified Front for Senator Sharafadeen Alli
In his appreciation, Senator Alli thanked the leaders and other members of the party for the show of support. However, he promised that he shall not hesitate to give governance of inclusiveness. He expressed his commitment to maintaining the momentum of the Oyo State APC consensus to ensure a landslide victory in the Oyo 2027 governorship election.
With this development, the APC in Oyo State appears to be consolidating its ranks early. By positioning Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the focal point of its 2027 governorship ambition, the party aims to avoid the internal divisions that have affected past electoral outcomes.
The clarity provided by the President Bola Tinubu endorsement serves as a catalyst for this newfound unity, as the party prepares to reclaim the Agodi Government House.
