Senator Sharafadeen Alli, on Thursday, received the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.
The Senator representing Oyo South senatorial district also unveiled Mr Michael Adedeji, a 46-year-old Economics graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, from Iwo-Ate in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area as his running mate.
Speaking at the event, the APC Chairman in Oyo State and former Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, urged party members to remain united and work together to secure victory in the 2027 governorship election.
Adeyemo said it was better for the party to be in government than in the opposition, appealing to aggrieved members to put aside their grievances and support the APC.
“By the grace of God, come May 29, 2027, our governor and deputy governor will be Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Hon. Adesoji Adedeji. I plead with us in the name of the Lord to come together,” he said.
Presenting the INEC nomination form to Alli, the APC Deputy National Auditor, Mr Gbenga Olayemi, described the governorship candidate as the party’s flag bearer rather than an individual candidate.
“You will recall that I presented the nomination forms to National Assembly candidates on Monday. Senator Alli is not just our governorship candidate; he is our flag bearer. Every APC member in Oyo State is a governorship candidate,” Olayemi said.
In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as the APC candidate as a collective victory for all party members and pledged to lead with fairness, accountability and inclusiveness if elected.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, the state leadership of the party, security agencies and members of the party for their support throughout the primary election.
The senator also extended appreciation to his fellow aspirants, urging them and their supporters to unite behind the party’s common goal of reclaiming Oyo State.
According to him, the task ahead requires unity, sacrifice and collective commitment, stressing that the APC must move beyond the primary election and work together to achieve victory in 2027.
“Our people are yearning for leadership that listens, unites and understands their pains. They deserve a government that works for everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, social class or geopolitical zone,” he said.
Alli said his administration, if elected, would focus on empowering farmers, creating opportunities for youths, improving education and healthcare, strengthening infrastructure, protecting the environment and ensuring economic growth benefits all parts of the state.
He added that his government would align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting justice, fairness, accountability, compassion and service to the people.
“I will remain accessible, accountable and a good listener. I will never take the trust of the people for granted. Let us reject division, embrace unity and work together to restore the true Pacesetter glory of Oyo State,” he said.
Accepting his nomination as the deputy governorship candidate, Adedeji thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and expressed optimism that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.
The event was attended by members of the APC State Working Committee led by Chief Moses Adeyemo, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates for the 2027 elections, party leaders and stakeholders, including Senators Ayo Adeseun, Hosea Agboola and Femi Lanlehin, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Pa Timothy Jolaoso and Alhaji Olayide Abbas, among others.
