The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially presented Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, alongside his running mate, Adesoji Adedeji, despite lingering concerns from former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who insists the party’s national leadership has yet to make a final declaration.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Ibadan on Thursday, attracted party leaders, stakeholders, executives and supporters from across Oyo State as the APC intensified preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
Alli emerged victorious in the party’s governorship primary after defeating several aspirants, including Adelabu, former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, Akeem Agbaje and Oyedele Alao.
Alli Calls for Unity
In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as a victory for all loyal APC members and supporters of progressive politics in Oyo State.
He dedicated the mandate to party faithful, delegates, women, youths and stakeholders who contributed to his success, saying the victory symbolised unity, democracy and perseverance.
The senator pledged to work with all party members to rebuild and reposition Oyo State, urging aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to put the primary contest behind them.
According to him, the task ahead requires sacrifice, cooperation and collective commitment.
Alli also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said continues to inspire national development and economic transformation.
He further appreciated the APC National Working Committee, the party’s state leadership, delegates and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and successful primary election.
APC Appeals for Reconciliation
Earlier, Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo, appealed to members dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary to embrace reconciliation and work together for the party’s victory in the 2027 elections.
He stressed that returning the APC to power in Oyo State would benefit party members and residents alike.
Also speaking, the APC Deputy National Auditor, Olayemi Olugbenga, formally presented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to Alli and his running mate, Adedeji, describing the exercise as part of the party’s preparations for the next general election.
Several prominent APC leaders attended the event, including Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Ayoade Adeseun, Femi Lanlehin, Hosea Agboola, Chief Akin Oke, Abass Aleshinloye and former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Olagunju Ojo.
Adelabu Camp Insists Process Not Yet Complete
Despite the official unveiling, Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s camp maintains that the governorship contest has not been concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the former minister, his media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the camp remains confident that only the APC National Working Committee has the constitutional authority to officially announce the party’s governorship candidate.
He argued that any declaration made before the national leadership’s pronouncement remains speculative.
Awogboro urged party members to await official communication from the APC national headquarters, warning that premature announcements could create unnecessary tension within the party.
He also called on the party leadership to ensure transparency, fairness and due process, insisting that justice is essential for meaningful reconciliation among aspirants.
According to him, reconciliation efforts would be ineffective if internal party processes were perceived to be unfair or biased.
Awogboro further dismissed reports of an alleged list favouring a particular faction for legislative tickets, questioning its authenticity and insisting that every aspirant deserves equal treatment under the party’s rules.
He, however, reaffirmed Adelabu’s commitment to the supremacy of the APC, stating that the former minister remains calm while awaiting the National Working Committee’s official decision.
