APC in Oyo State Endorses Sharafadeen Ali as Consensus Governorship Candidate
Kemi Olaitan of Ibadan
In a significant move toward party unity and strategic alignment, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Oyo State has endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Ali as the consensus governorship candidate for the upcoming elections. This decision aligns with similar actions taken by leaders in Lagos and Ogun states.
The endorsement was announced during a high-level leadership summit in Samonda, Ibadan, where key party officials from across the state convened to devise an electoral strategy for the forthcoming general elections. Senator Ayo Adesun emphasized that the primary purpose of the meeting was to confirm Senator Ali’s candidacy and foster consensus among party members.
According to Adesun, this decision followed extensive consultations and was further bolstered by the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The senator revealed that he had previously conferred with the President in Abuja, where Tinubu expressed strong support for Ali as the APC’s representative in Oyo State. Adesun underlined the importance of considering the President’s stance, stating that his guidance should be honored by all party members.
“The President remains the leader of our party, and his thoughts on the candidate should be fully taken into account,” Adesun remarked. He noted that Ali had already declared his intention to run for the governorship race prior to the official announcement of support. Another key leader, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, reiterated the party’s backing for Ali, highlighting his discussions with President Tinubu, who also expressed favor for Ali as a candidate in the 2027 elections.
Ibikunle urged other aspirants within the APC to respect the consensus decision, emphasizing that internal unity is essential for the party’s success in the upcoming race. He contended that a unified front is crucial for mounting an effective challenge in the governorship elections.
The summit saw strong attendance from party leaders, stakeholders, and representatives from all geopolitical zones of Oyo State and its 33 local government areas, underscoring the collective support for this initiative.
In gratitude for the endorsement, Senator Ali pledged to lead an inclusive government and assured party leaders and members of his commitment to their aspirations. He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his guidance in aligning the party in Oyo State.
Following these developments, the APC in Oyo State appears to be consolidating its position early, with Ali emerging as the focal point of its campaign efforts for the 2027 governorship election. The party is taking proactive measures to avert the internal divisions that have historically impacted its electoral outcomes.
The summit featured prominent party figures, including long-time chairman Akin Oke, former State Government Secretary Alhaji Akin Olajide, Alhaji Rauf Bello, and several other influential leaders, emphasizing the broad support for the party’s direction as it approaches the elections.
