By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, officially unveiled Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election and announced Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Ibadan, the state capital, attracted party leaders, stakeholders, executives and loyalists from across the state.
Alli emerged as the party’s standard-bearer after defeating other aspirants, including the immediate-past Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Barrister Akeem Agbaje; and Engr. Oyedele Alao, among others, in the party’s governorship primary.
In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as a victory for every loyal APC member and the progressive family in Oyo State.
According to him, the mandate belonged to every party faithful who remained committed to the ideals of progressive politics, every delegate who voted according to conscience, women who prayed, youths who campaigned tirelessly, and all stakeholders who believed Oyo State deserved a brighter, safer and more prosperous future.
He said the victory symbolised unity, perseverance, democracy and the enduring spirit of the APC in the state.
Alli expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a visionary leader whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire Nigerians toward national rebirth and economic 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 (NWC), led by its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the National Monitoring Team, zonal leaders, the Oyo State Working Committee, led by Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, delegates and security agencies for ensuring a successful primary election.
Extending an olive branch to his co-contestants, Alli commended them for their commitment to the party and urged all members to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, the state APC Chairman, Chief Alake-Adeyemo, appealed to aggrieved members to put aside their differences and work for the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.
He said it was in the interest of all party members for the APC to return to power in Oyo State, stressing that victory in 2027 would enable members to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, the APC Deputy National Auditor, Olayemi Olugbenga, said the party had officially presented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to Senator Alli and his running mate, Adedeji, as the party’s governorship candidates for Oyo State.
He added that the presentation formed part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Among dignitaries present at the event were 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, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, 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 three senatorial candidates and House of Representatives candidates.
