Oyo 2027: APC leaders adopt Alli as consensus guber candidate

By Oluseye Ojo

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The endorsement was ratified on Friday at a high-level leadership summit held in Samonda, Ibadan, where key stakeholders from across the state converged to chart a cohesive path toward the next general election.

The move mirrors a similar consensus-building approach adopted by party leaders in Lagos for Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and in Ogun State for Senator Olamilekan Adeola, known as Yayi, with a view to strengthening party unity and electoral strategy.

Speaking at the summit, Senator Ayo Adeseun, who represented Oyo Central senatorial district in the National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, disclosed that the meeting was convened primarily to affirm Alli’s candidacy and galvanise support among party leaders.

He said the decision followed extensive consultations and was further strengthened by the backing of President Bola Tinubu.

Adeseun revealed that during a prior meeting with the President in Abuja, Tinubu offered strong justification for supporting Alli as the party’s standard-bearer in the state.

He explained that Tinubu’s position as national leader of the APC carries significant influence.

“Mr. President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration,” Adeseun said.

He noted that Alli had earlier declared his intention to contest. Echoing this stance, a party chieftain, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, confirmed that he also held discussions with the President, who endorsed Alli as the preferred candidate.

The summit recorded a large turnout of party leaders and representatives from all three senatorial districts and the 33 local government areas.

In his acceptance remarks, Alli expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to deliver inclusive governance.

He assured party members of his commitment to justify their trust and commended Tinubu for his guidance.