Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have formally adopted Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate ahead of the forthcoming primary election.
The leaders reaffirmed Alli’s adoption on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Prof. Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Pa Alarape Jolaoso said the adoption followed the long-standing tradition of progressive politics where party elders and stakeholders usually arrive at candidates through consensus.
Jolaoso stated that the leaders had received directives from President Bola Tinubu endorsing Senator Alli as the preferred consensus candidate of the party in Oyo State.
Also speaking, Senator Ayoade Adeseun said some critics initially doubted their claims about the party’s position, noting that unfolding events had now vindicated them.
Adeseun expressed confidence that Senator Alli would record an overwhelming victory if a direct primary election was eventually conducted, urging members to remain united and committed to the party.
He further appealed to members to extend hands of fellowship to aggrieved party faithful, stressing that everyone must work together for the progress and victory of the APC in the state.
A party chieftain, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, recalled that some members had earlier accused them of spreading falsehood after informing stakeholders that President Tinubu supported Alli’s emergence.
According to him, the latest development has confirmed that they acted in line with party directives and remained truthful in their position.
Ibikunle added that the state executive committee and other party leaders had already been briefed on the decision, declaring that Senator Alli remained the consensus governorship candidate of the APC in Oyo State.
He stressed that the leaders chose loyalty to the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions and individual considerations.
In his remarks, Pa Adisa Gbayawu employed a Yoruba proverb to emphasise the importance of obedience to constituted authority, saying directives from leadership could neither be ignored nor undermined.
Senator Brimoh Yusuff, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Hon. Segun Taiwo and Mr. Sola Ogunbode described Senator Alli as a committed and loyal party man who would give his best for the development of Oyo State.
Other stakeholders who addressed the gathering included Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun on behalf of National Assembly members, Hon. Yekeen Popoola for former local government chairmen and Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope for former House of Assembly members.
Responding, Senator Sharafadeen Alli appreciated President Tinubu, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, Sen. Teslim Folarin, Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo and other party leaders for the confidence reposed in him.
He also thanked Senator Yunus Akintunde (APC-Oyo Central), who is seeking re-election and Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who is contesting Oyo South Senatorial seat.
Alli assured the people of his commitment to building a greater Oyo State and pledged to ensure that party members and residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He also promised not to disappoint the party and its supporters, urging members to mobilise support for him and other APC candidates ahead of the forthcoming general election.
The event was attended by several APC leaders and stakeholders, including Pa MKO Laoye, Pa Olu Akintola, Alhaji Mojeed Olaoya, Chief Francis Babalola, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, Apostle Aderounmu, Hon. Shina Alabi and Chief Yemi Aderibigbe.
Also in attendance were Hon. Akeem Akogun, Dr. Tunji Olanipekun, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, Hon. Saheed Alaran, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, Hon. Akin Alabi and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala.
Others are Mrs. Folake Olunloyo, Chief Akinyemi Akinlabi, Engr. Adewale Adeoye, Mr Omilabu Ghandi, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Mrs Mojibade Adetona and hosts of other leaders from across the state.
