The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially unveiled Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, with Adesoji Adedeji named as his running mate.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Thursday in Ibadan, attracted party leaders, stakeholders, executives, delegates and supporters from across the state.
Senator Alli emerged as the party’s governorship flagbearer after defeating other aspirants, including the immediate past Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Barrister Akeem Agbaje; and Engr. Oyedele Alao, among others, in the APC governorship primary.
In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as a victory for every loyal member of the APC and the progressive family in Oyo State.
According to him, the mandate belongs to every party faithful who remained committed to the ideals of progressive politics, every delegate who voted according to conscience, women who offered prayers, youths who campaigned tirelessly and all stakeholders who believe that Oyo State deserves a brighter, safer and more prosperous future.
He said his emergence symbolised unity, perseverance, democracy and the enduring spirit of the APC in Oyo State.
The senator expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a visionary leader whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire Nigerians towards national renewal and economic transformation.
“I wish to specially thank and appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces 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 towards national rebirth and economic transformation,” he said.
Alli also appreciated the APC National Working Committee led by its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the National Monitoring Team; zonal leaders; the Oyo State Executive Committee led by Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo; delegates; and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and transparent primary election.
Extending an olive branch to his fellow aspirants, Alli commended them for their contributions to the party and urged all members to unite ahead of the 2027 general election.
“To my brothers and fellow aspirants who participated in this primary election, I salute your courage, maturity and commitment to our great party. Democracy thrives not because we always agree, but because we share a common vision for a better future.
“Let us put this contest behind us and work together in unity to build the Oyo State of our dreams. Together, we can achieve more.
“The greater task of rebuilding and repositioning Oyo State has now begun. I appeal to all aggrieved members and stakeholders to close ranks and move forward as one united APC family. The task ahead is bigger than any individual. It requires unity, sacrifice, cooperation and an unwavering commitment to the common good,” he said.
Earlier, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, appealed to members who might be dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary election to set aside their differences and work collectively for the party’s victory in the 2027 general election.
He said returning the APC to power in Oyo State was in the best interest of party members and residents, adding that electoral victory would provide the platform to deliver quality governance and the dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, the APC Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Olayemi Olugbenga, formally presented the party’s nomination documents to Senator Alli and his running mate, Adesoji Adedeji, describing the exercise as a significant milestone in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
He expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would justify the confidence reposed in them by offering purposeful leadership if elected.
Among dignitaries present at the event were former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; Senator Ayoade Adeseun; Senator Femi Lanlehin; Senator Hosea Agboola; the 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; Abass Aleshinloye; and former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joshua Olagunju.
Also in attendance were members of the Oyo APC State Executive Committee, the party’s senatorial candidates, House of Representatives candidates, local government party chairmen, youth and women leaders, as well as hundreds of party supporters who pledged to mobilise support for the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
