The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, has said the real challenge of rebuilding and transforming the state begins following his emergence as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election. He made the remark after he was officially unveiled alongside his running mate, stressing the need for collective commitment to achieve the party’s vision.
The APC formally presented its governorship and deputy governorship candidates before party leaders, stakeholders, executives, and supporters. Addressing the gathering, Alli called on members to remain united and work together, emphasizing that party cohesion would be crucial to securing victory in the 2027 election and delivering effective leadership for the people of Oyo State.
The governorship candidate emerged victorious after defeating several contenders in the APC primary, including the immediate-past Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; former Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan; Barrister Akeem Agbaje and Oyedele Alao.
Addressing party faithful, the candidate described his emergence as a victory for the entire APC family rather than a personal achievement, urging members to unite ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“This victory is not just mine alone. It belongs to every loyal party member who kept faith with the ideals of progressive politics; every member who voted according to their conscience; every woman who prayed; every youth who yearned and campaigned tirelessly; and every other stakeholder who believes that Oyo State deserves a brighter, safer and more prosperous future.“
“It is a victory for unity, perseverance, democracy and the enduring spirit of the progressive family in Oyo State.”
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership to the party and the country, adding, “I wish to specially thank and appreciate the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose courage, resilience, visionary leadership and Renewed Hope Agenda continue to inspire millions of Nigerians toward national rebirth and economic transformation.“
“I equally thank the APC National Working Committee, ably led by our Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the National Monitoring Team; all our zonal leaders; the State Working Committee of our party, ably led by Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo; and all security agencies.”
Extending an olive branch to defeated aspirants, he appealed for reconciliation within the party, saying, “To all my brothers and fellow aspirants who contested this primary election with me, I salute your courage and your love for Oyo State.“
“Democracy thrives not because we always agree, but because we all believe in a common future. We can always disagree to agree on prosperity for our people.“
“Let us work together in unity to build the Oyo State of our dreams. Together Everybody Achieves More. Let the team spirit in you inspire generations.“
“We must all know that the greater task of rebuilding and repositioning Oyo State has now begun. To my brothers and sisters, all aggrieved members, and all your supporters and stakeholders, let us close ranks and march forward together as one united APC family.“
“The task ahead is bigger than one man. It requires unity, sacrifice, cooperation and a shared commitment to the common good,“ he said.
Earlier, the Oyo APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, urged aggrieved members to put aside their grievances and rally behind all the party’s candidates, saying it was better for the APC to return to government than remain in opposition.
He expressed confidence that party members would enjoy the dividends of democracy if the APC wins power in the state in 2027.
Also speaking, the party’s Deputy National Auditor, Olayemi Olugbenga, said the APC had formally presented Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to its governorship and deputy governorship candidates in Oyo State, noting that the exercise also covered the party’s senatorial and House of Representatives candidates.
In his acceptance and appreciation remarks, the deputy governorship candidate, Adesoji Adedeji, expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the APC for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a privilege and a call to greater service.
He pledged unwavering loyalty to the party and assured supporters that he would work closely with the governorship candidate to deliver victory for the APC in the 2027 governorship election and contribute to the development and prosperity of Oyo State.
