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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has stepped up its reconciliation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election, formally unveiling Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as its governorship candidate and Hon. Adesoji Michael Adedeji as his running mate.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Thursday in Ibadan, brought together party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, with APC leaders urging members to close ranks and work together to reclaim Oyo State in 2027.
Presenting the party’s direction, Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo, declared that the party could no longer afford internal divisions after spending eight years in opposition.
He called on aggrieved members to embrace genuine reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation and unity, saying the APC’s chances of returning to power depended on collective commitment and discipline.
Adeyemo also appealed to Oyo residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections, stating that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda was laying the foundation for economic reforms and national development.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination certificate to Alli by the APC Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Gbenga Olayemi, officially confirming him as the party’s standard-bearer.
In his acceptance address, Alli described his emergence as the APC governorship candidate as a victory for the entire progressive family in Oyo State rather than a personal achievement.
He thanked party members across the state’s 351 wards and 33 local government areas for their confidence in him, while expressing appreciation to the APC National Working Committee, security agencies, women, youths, media professionals and other stakeholders for their roles during the primary election.
“This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to every loyal party member who kept faith with the ideals of progressive politics. It is a victory for unity, perseverance, democracy and the enduring spirit of the APC in Oyo State,” he said.
Alli also praised President Tinubu for providing what he described as visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to align his administration with policies that would improve the lives of residents.
He extended an olive branch to fellow aspirants and aggrieved members, urging them to set aside differences and unite for the task ahead.
According to him, the mission of the APC is to restore the “Pacesetter” status of Oyo State through people-centred governance focused on agriculture, quality education, accessible healthcare, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, job creation, accountability and justice.
“We must reject division and choose unity. The journey to Agodi Government House has officially begun, and with God on our side and the people standing firmly behind us, victory shall surely be ours in 2027,” Alli said.
Among dignitaries at the event were Senators Ayoade Adeseun, Olufemi Lanlehin, Hosea Agboola and Yunus Akintunde, alongside Chief Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, Chief Wasiu Ajimobi, Hon. Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye and other APC leaders.
The gathering also attracted the party’s senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates, underscoring the APC’s renewed campaign for unity and electoral success ahead of the 2027 general election.
