The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday officially unveiled Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, with Adesoji Adedeji named as his running mate.
The colourful unveiling ceremony, held in Ibadan, drew a large crowd of party leaders, stakeholders, executives and supporters from across the state, marking the beginning of the APC’s campaign to reclaim power in Oyo State.
Alli emerged victorious in the party’s governorship primary after defeating top contenders, including former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, Engr. Oyedele Alao and other aspirants.
In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as the collective victory of every loyal APC member and the entire progressive family in Oyo State.
He said the mandate belonged to party faithful who remained committed to the ideals of progressive politics, delegates who voted according to their conscience, women who prayed, youths who campaigned tirelessly and stakeholders determined to build a better Oyo State.
“This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to every loyal APC member who believed in our vision and worked tirelessly for the success of our party. It is a victory for unity, perseverance, democracy and the enduring spirit of the APC in Oyo State,” he declared.
Alli expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a visionary leader whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire Nigerians and drive national transformation.
“I wish to specially thank and appreciate the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose courage, resilience, visionary leadership and Renewed Hope Agenda continue to inspire millions of Nigerians toward national rebirth and economic transformation,” he said.
The senator also thanked the APC National Working Committee led by National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, members of the National Monitoring Team, zonal leaders, the Oyo State Working Committee headed by Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, delegates and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and credible primary election.
Extending an olive branch to fellow aspirants, Alli urged them to put the contest behind them and work together to secure victory for the APC in the 2027 governorship election.
“To all my brothers and fellow aspirants who contested this primary election with me, I salute your courage and your love for Oyo State. Democracy thrives not because we always agree, but because we all believe in a common future.
“We can always disagree to agree on prosperity for our people. Let us work together in unity to build the Oyo State of our dreams. Together Everybody Achieves More.
“The greater task of rebuilding and repositioning Oyo State has now begun. To all aggrieved members and stakeholders, let us close ranks and march forward together as one united APC family. The task ahead is bigger than one man. It requires unity, sacrifice, cooperation and a shared commitment to the common good.”
Earlier, Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, appealed to aggrieved members to sheathe their swords and work for the party’s victory in the 2027 general election.
He stressed that reclaiming Oyo State was in the collective interest of party members, adding that APC’s return to power would usher in greater development and enable members to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, APC Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Olayemi Olugbenga, announced that the party had formally presented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to Senator Alli and Adesoji Adedeji as its governorship and deputy governorship candidates for Oyo State.
He said the presentation marked another important milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Senator Hosea Agboola, Oyo APC Women Leader Mrs. Felicia Opatunde, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Pa Jolaoso, Chief Akin Oke, Alhaji Mufutau Adisa, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Alhaji Shina Alabi, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Abass Aleshinloye, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joshua Olagunju, members of the Oyo APC State Executive Committee, as well as the party’s senatorial and House of Representatives candidates.
