Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State on Thursday formally unveiled its governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, and his running mate, Hon. Adesoji Michael Adedeji, while intensifying efforts to unite party members ahead of the 2027 general election.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Ibadan, also featured the presentation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination certificate to Alli by the APC Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Gbenga Olayemi. This signalled the party’s renewed push to reclaim power in Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said the party could no longer afford internal divisions after spending eight years in opposition in the state.
He urged aggrieved members and stakeholders to embrace genuine reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation, and collective sacrifice to ensure the party’s victory in the 2027 elections.
Adeyemo also appealed to residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates. He said the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda had continued to inspire confidence through economic reforms, national development initiatives, and democratic stability.
In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate as a collective victory for all APC faithful across Oyo State.
He thanked Almighty Allah, party members across the state’s 351 wards and 33 local government areas, as well as the APC National Working Committee, security agencies, women, youths, media practitioners, and National Assembly members for their support during the primary election.
“This victory was not mine alone. It belonged to every loyal party member who kept faith with the ideals of progressive politics. It was a victory for unity, perseverance, democracy, and the enduring spirit of the progressive family in Oyo State,” he said.
The senator also commended President Tinubu for what he described as courageous leadership and commitment to national transformation through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Extending an olive branch to fellow aspirants and aggrieved party members, Alli called for unity and reconciliation. He stressed that the task of returning the APC to power required collective effort.
“The greater task of rebuilding and repositioning Oyo State had now begun. Let us close ranks and march forward together as one united APC family. The task ahead was bigger than one man. It required unity, sacrifice, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the common good,” he said.
Alli pledged that, if elected governor in 2027, his administration would prioritise agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic development, accountability, justice, and improved welfare for residents.
He said his vision was to build an inclusive government that would empower farmers, create jobs for youths, improve education and healthcare, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure fairness and accountability in governance.
“The journey to Agodi Government House had officially begun, and with God on our side and the people standing firmly behind us, victory would surely be ours in 2027,” he added.
The event attracted several APC leaders and stakeholders, including Senators Ayoade Adeseun, Olufemi Lanlehin, Hosea Agboola, and Yunus Akintunde.
Others in attendance were Chief Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, Chief Wasiu Ajimobi, Hon. Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, Chief Akin Oke, Alhaji Olayide Abas, Chief Alarape Jolaoso, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Alhaji Kamoru Ajisafe, and Alhaji Muftau Adisa Gbayawu.
Also present were the party’s senatorial candidates, House of Representatives candidates, and House of Assembly candidates, who pledged their support for the APC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.
