Oyo 2027: APC Leaders Snub Adelabu, Endorse Alli As Consensus Gov’ship Candidate 

 

 

By Akanni Toba

 

 

Prominent stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, on Friday, declared the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sarafadeen Alli, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

 

The leaders noted that the move became imperative following what happened in Lagos and Ogun where the party’s stakeholders adopted consensus candidate for the governorship position in the states.

 

They stressed that the beauty of the approach is that it strengthens the internal unity of the party and enhances strategic alignment required for electoral victory at the polls.

 

 

The endorsement was ratified during a high-level leadership summit held in Samonda, Ibadan,

 

Speaking at the gathering, Senator Ayo Adeseun explained that the meeting was convened primarily to affirm Senator Alli’s candidacy and build consensus among party leaders.

 

According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations and was further reinforced by the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Adeseun revealed that he had previously met with the President in Abuja, where Tinubu reportedly provided strong justification for backing Alli as the party’s standard-bearer in Oyo State.

 

 

“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 furthered stated that Alli is the best of the pack, adding that he is a cut above other governorship aspirants in the party, describing him as a man “with a grassroots orientation”

 

Adeseun stressed that Alli has risen through the ranks in Oyo and national politics, highlighting the various posts the former Secretary to the State Government had occupied before his current position.

 

He added that any aspirant who is not favourably disposed to the decision of the party’s stakeholders has two options: Leave the party to pursue his dream on another platform or  present himself for primary election against Alli.

 

Adeseun said, ” Alli is our consensus candidate anyone against this decision should go to another party to pursue his governorship ambition or come for primary election. But I can assure you that the aspirant will be trounced. The best performance of such aspirants will be 2 votes against Alli’s 100.

 

He continued, ” Alli has been in the game for a long while. He served as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government in his prime. He was later appointed as the Secretary to the Oyo State Government and then Chief of Staff in the same administration. Alli would later be given a position on the board of Oodua Investment and performed creditably well in all the positions”

 

Adeseun added, “If anyone claims he is the best man for the job, ask  for his bona fides, ask if he had served in any public office and if he performed remarkably well”, the APC leader said in what appears to be a swipe at former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who is also a governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC.

 

 

The summit witnessed a large turnout of party leaders, stakeholders, and representatives from all geopolitical zones of Oyo State and from the 33 local government areas of the state, underscoring the significance of the endorsement.

 

In his response, Senator Alli thanked the leaders and other members of the party for the show of support and promised that he shall not hesitate to give governance of inclusiveness.

 

He assured the leaders and members of the party that he would not disappoint them, thanking the President for providing good guidance for the party in the state.

 

Notable among the leaders were a longtime chairman of the party, 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; Mrs Hannah Ogunesan; Basir Akanbi; 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