Oyo State APC leaders meet, announce consensus guber candidate ahead of 2027
Oyo State APC leaders meet, announce consensus guber candidate ahead of 2027
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has moved to close ranks ahead of the 2027 governorship election, endorsing Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus candidate.
The decision was formalised on Friday at a high-level leadership summit held in Samonda, Ibadan, where key stakeholders across the state converged to strategise on the party’s electoral prospects.
The endorsement signals an early push by the APC to avoid internal divisions and strengthen unity, mirroring similar consensus arrangements recently adopted in Lagos and Ogun states.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Ayo Adeseun said the meeting was convened primarily to affirm Alli’s candidacy and secure broad-based agreement among party leaders.
He disclosed that the move followed extensive consultations, including engagements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose stance, he said, further reinforced the choice of Alli.
“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.
He added that Alli had already declared his governorship ambition before the endorsement process gained momentum.
Also speaking, APC chieftain, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, corroborated Adeseun’s position, revealing that he too held discussions with the President, who, according to him, backed Alli as the preferred candidate.
Ibikunle urged other aspirants within the party to support the consensus arrangement, stressing that unity would be crucial for electoral victory.
The summit drew a large turnout of party leaders and stakeholders from across Oyo State’s geopolitical zones and all 33 local government areas, highlighting the weight of the decision within party ranks.
In his response, Senator Alli expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him, pledging inclusive governance if elected.
He said he would not betray the trust of party leaders and members, while also thanking the President for what he described as “good guidance for the party in the state.”
With the endorsement, the APC appears to have set an early tone for its 2027 governorship campaign in Oyo State, positioning Alli at the centre of its strategy while seeking to prevent the internal disputes that have undermined past outings.
Prominent figures at the meeting included Chief Akin Oke, 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, Mrs Hannah Ogunesan, Basir Akanbi, Segun Odebunmi, Sina Alabi, Rotimi Ajanaku, Ibrahim Bolomope, Kayode Fagunma, Shakiru Fajinmi, Wasiu Akinmoyede Olafisoye, Remi Odetomi, Tajudeen Salaudeen, DA Lawal, Lowo Obisesan, and Lanre Otiti.
