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Former Federal Character Commissioner representing Oyo State, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state against internal divisions, warning that the party could suffer another electoral defeat in 2027 if aggrieved members fail to reconcile and unite behind its governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
Olowofela, who is also a former Oyo State Commissioner for Education, gave the warning in an opinion article in which he stressed that party unity, rather than individual ambition, would determine the APC’s chances of returning to power after years in opposition.
According to him, it is natural for aspirants who lost the party’s governorship ticket to feel disappointed, but he urged them to put the interest of the APC above personal grievances.
He appealed to influential leaders within the party, including former governorship candidate Senator Teslim Folarin, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu and former Minister of Communications Barr. Adebayo Shittu, to work together in support of Alli’s candidacy.
The former commissioner argued that each of the party leaders commands significant political influence and support across Oyo State, adding that a united APC would be better positioned to challenge its opponents in the next governorship election.
Olowofela also urged aspirants who reportedly spent millions of naira to obtain the APC governorship nomination form to accept the outcome of the primary and join hands with the party’s candidate.
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Reflecting on previous party experiences, he recalled that national leaders had repeatedly advised APC stakeholders in Oyo State to resolve their differences, warning that prolonged disunity would continue to keep the party out of power.
He noted that the APC has remained out of the Oyo State government for seven years, insisting that another defeat would further weaken the party and deny members opportunities associated with state governance.
Describing Senator Alli as an experienced grassroots politician with structures across the state, Olowofela expressed confidence that the APC could reclaim power if members closed ranks.
He maintained that while the 2027 governorship election is expected to be keenly contested, the APC’s biggest challenge remains internal cohesion.
“The contest is not Sarafa Alli’s alone; it belongs to every APC member. The only way to secure victory is for everyone to bury the hatchet, reconcile their differences and work together,” he stated.
