The leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election, in a move aimed at strengthening internal unity ahead of the polls.
The decision was taken during a strategic meeting of party stakeholders held in the Samonda area of Ibadan, where discussions focused on the party’s readiness and long-term electoral strategy.
Speaking at the gathering, a party chieftain, Hamzat Ayo Adeseun, said the emergence of Alli followed extensive consultations among key stakeholders and was also shaped by the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the President’s influence as the party’s national leader played a significant role in the decision to adopt a unified front.
“The President remains the rallying point of our party, and his views were duly considered in reaching this resolution,” Adeseun said.
Also addressing the meeting, the Director of the South West Development Commission, Fatai Ibikunle, disclosed that he had engaged with Tinubu, who expressed support for Alli’s candidacy.
Ibikunle urged other aspirants within the party to align with the consensus decision, stressing that cohesion would be critical to the party’s success in the governorship race.
In his response, Alli thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide inclusive leadership if elected.