The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday formally presented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form to its Oyo State governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, while officially unveiling Mr. Adesoji Michael Adedeji as his running mate.
The presentation ceremony, held in Ibadan, attracted party leaders, stakeholders, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates, as well as hundreds of party faithful from across the state.
Adedeji, a 46-year-old Economics graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, hails from Iwo-Ate in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State. He is also the younger brother of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State APC Chairman and former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, urged party members to remain united and committed to the party’s victory in the 2027 general election.
He stressed that unity among party members remained crucial to reclaiming power in Oyo State, appealing to those aggrieved by the outcome of the party’s primary election to put aside their differences and work for the collective success of the APC.
“By the grace of God, on May 29, 2027, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Hon. Adesoji Adedeji will be sworn in as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Oyo State. I appeal to all our members to come together and work as one family,” Alake-Adeyemo said.
Presenting the INEC nomination form, the APC Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Olayemi Olugbenga, described Senator Alli as the symbol of the party’s collective aspiration and not merely an individual candidate.
“You will recall that I presented nomination forms to our National Assembly candidates earlier this week. Today, we are presenting the governorship nomination form to our flag bearer. Senator Sharafadeen Alli is not just a candidate; he represents the collective mandate and aspirations of every APC member in Oyo State,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Alli described his emergence as the APC governorship candidate as a victory for every loyal member of the party and pledged to provide purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership if elected.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, the Oyo State Executive Committee, delegates, security agencies and party members for ensuring a credible and peaceful primary election.
The senator also extended a hand of fellowship to his fellow aspirants, urging them and their supporters to close ranks and unite behind the party’s mission of reclaiming Oyo State in 2027.
According to him, the responsibility of rebuilding the state requires unity, sacrifice and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
“Our people are yearning for a leadership that listens, unites and understands their aspirations. They deserve a government that serves everyone irrespective of religion, ethnicity, social status or geographical location,” Alli said.
He pledged that his administration would prioritise agriculture, youth empowerment, quality education, accessible healthcare, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and economic policies that would improve the living standards of all residents of the state.
Alli further assured that his government would align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting justice, fairness, accountability, transparency, compassion and selfless service.
“I will remain accessible, accountable and responsive to the needs of our people. I will never take the confidence reposed in me for granted. Together, let us reject division, embrace unity and restore the true Pacesetter glory of Oyo State,” he added.
In his remarks, the deputy governorship candidate, Mr. Adesoji Michael Adedeji, expressed gratitude to the party leadership for finding him worthy of the nomination.
He pledged unwavering loyalty to the party and the governorship candidate, expressing confidence that the APC would secure victory in the 2027 governorship election through unity, hard work and the support of the people of Oyo State.
The event was attended by members of the APC State Executive Committee led by Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, the party’s National Assembly and State Assembly candidates for the 2027 elections, and other prominent leaders and stakeholders, including Senators Ayo Adeseun, Senator Hosea Agboola and Femi Lanlehin, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Pa Timothy Jolaoso, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, Alhaji Olayide Abbas, former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and several other party stalwarts.
