Senator Sharafadeen Alli has been endorsed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 Oyo State gubernatorial election, following a strategic meeting of party leaders held in Ibadan, the state capital, on Friday. The endorsement came after extensive consultations among prominent APC figures from all five geopolitical zones in Oyo State, signaling a unified front ahead of the next election cycle. Alli, who currently represents the Oyo South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, is seen as a strong contender due to his political experience and deep roots in the state capital, Ibadan.
The meeting, which brought together key party chieftains and stakeholders, was convened to solidify the party’s position and prevent internal fragmentation. Senator Hamzat Adeseun, a respected APC leader from Ogbomoso, emphasized that the decision was reached after thorough deliberations and was further reinforced by the stance of President Bola Tinubu. Adeseun stated, “Mr. President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration.” His remarks underscored the influence of national leadership in shaping state-level political decisions within the APC.
Another party elder, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Ibarapa, confirmed that he had personally consulted with President Tinubu, who reportedly endorsed Alli as the preferred candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race. Ibikunle urged other potential aspirants within the party to respect the consensus and align with the decision to ensure party unity and electoral success. His call for cohesion reflects growing efforts within the APC to avoid the kind of internal conflicts that have marred previous elections in the state.
Alli’s candidacy is expected to galvanize support across various ethnic and political groups in Oyo State, given his senatorial experience and broad network within the party. His position as a senator from Oyo South also gives him a strategic advantage in mobilizing votes in the region. The endorsement by national and state-level leaders suggests a coordinated effort to present a strong, united front against opposition parties.
As the 2027 election approaches, the APC in Oyo State appears to be positioning itself for a competitive race, with Alli’s candidacy serving as a focal point for party mobilization. The move also highlights the increasing role of national leadership in state-level political appointments, particularly under President Tinubu’s administration. With the party’s machinery now aligned behind Alli, attention will turn to campaign preparations and grassroots mobilization in the coming months.
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