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 2027 gubernatorial election, signaling a major step toward early political alignment within the party.
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.
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 Ahmed Tinubu.
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 emphasized 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, noting that Alli had already declared his intention to contest the governorship seat prior to the endorsement.
In a similar vein, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Directorl of the South West Development Commission, reaffirmed the position of the party leadership. He disclosed that he also held discussions with President Tinubu, who, according to him, endorsed Alli as the preferred candidate for the 2027 election 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 endorsement.
In his appreciation, Senator Alli thanked the leaders and other members of the party, for the show of support and however promised that he shall not hesitate to give governance of inclusiveness
With this development, the APC in Oyo State appears to be consolidating its ranks early, positioning Senator Alli as the focal point of its 2027 governorship ambition while aiming to avoid internal divisions that have affected past electoral outcomes.
