Following the “consensus model” used in Lagos and Ogun, the Oyo State APC leadership has officially endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The move, aimed at solidifying party unity, was ratified during a high-level summit of state stakeholders in Samonda, Ibadan.
Persecondnews recalls that the move effectively sidelines the former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who was previously a major contender for the ticket.
By unifying behind Senator Alli, the party leadership signaled a shift away from the former Minister in favor of a candidate they believe offers a more cohesive path to reclaiming the state in 2027.
At the gathering, Sen. Ayo Adeseun noted that the endorsement followed deep consultations and carries the significant weight of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s backing.
Adeseun revealed that during a private meeting in Abuja, the President provided a “strong justification” for selecting Alli.
He urged members to respect the President’s preference as the party’s national leader.
“Mr. President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration,” Adeseun stated, noting that Alli had already declared his intention to contest the governorship seat prior to the endorsement.
Another party leader, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, reaffirmed the position of the party leadership, disclosing that he also held discussions with President Tinubu, who, according to him, endorsed Alli as the preferred candidate for the 2027 election in Oyo State.
Ibikunle called on other aspirants within the APC to align with the consensus decision in the interest of party unity and electoral success.
He stressed that internal cohesion would be critical for the APC to mount a formidable challenge in the forthcoming governorship race.
With representatives from every geopolitical zone in attendance, the Samonda summit served as a powerful display of party unity.
Sen. Alli, accepting the nod, promised a “governance of inclusiveness” and credited the President’s leadership for the party’s clear direction.
By rallying behind Alli so early, the Oyo APC appears to be learning from history—tightening its ranks now to prevent the divisions that have previously cost them at the polls.
Among the leaders in attendance were former party chairman, Chief Akin Oke; a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Akin Olajide; Alhaji Raufu Bello; Pa Ajisafe Kamarudeen; Alhaji Audu Marafa, Chief MKO Laoye; Chief Ahmed Ayinla Adeyemo; Honourable Niran Adeyoju; Chief Kehinde Balogun; Chief Omilabu Ghandi; Honourable Sola Ogunbode; Alhaji Kensington; Hon. George Akintola: Waheed Olajide; and Mrs Hannah Ogunesan; Basir Akanbi.
Others were Segun Odebunmi; Ayo Adeseun: Sina Alabi; Rotimi Ajanaku; Ibrahim Bolomope; Kayode Fagunma; Shakiru Fajinmi; Wasiu Akinmoyede Olafisoye., Remi Odetomi, Tajudeen Salaudeen, Rotimi Ajanaku, DA Lawal, Lowo Obisesan, Lanre Otiti
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