Oyo APC Denies Claims of Senator Alli as Consensus Candidate for 2027
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly dismissed insinuations that the Presidency and the party's national leadership have endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as the consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election. This clarification comes amid a wave of early endorsements and succession permutations across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections, highlighting the intense political maneuvering already underway.
Party Officials Reject Endorsement Rumors
In a telephone interview with The Guardian, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Wole Sadare, insisted that no such endorsement exists in the state. Sadare stressed that neither the Presidency nor the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has issued any directive suggesting the adoption of a consensus candidate for Oyo State. He emphasized that the party remains committed to democratic processes and internal party guidelines for candidate selection, urging members to disregard speculative reports.
Parallel Developments in Lagos State
Meanwhile, a source in the Lagos State Governor's Advisory Council (GAC) claimed that a consensus arrangement in favour of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat had been concluded, with indications that he could also replace the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The source maintained that Hamzat's candidacy appears certain, adding that there is also an understanding within the political structure that the next governor of Lagos should be a Muslim, reflecting ongoing religious and political dynamics in the state.
In another development, a group, Concerned Members of Lagos State APC, led by Tunde Samson, has warned against any attempt to undermine free, fair, and credible primaries in the selection of the party's governorship candidate. In a statement signed by Samson, the group alleged plans by some party figures to impose preferred candidates, calling for transparency and adherence to democratic principles to ensure party unity and electoral success.
Senator Alli's Donation to Oyo APC
In a related development, Senator Sharafadeen Alli has donated a brand new 18-seater bus and N10 million to the APC Secretariat in Oyo State. The donation was received by the state executive council, led by the party's chairman, Moses Adeyemo, yesterday in Ibadan. Adeyemo praised Alli's loyalty, dedication, and consistent contributions toward strengthening party structures statewide, noting that the bus will improve logistics, mobility, and coordination for party activities, while the financial support is expected to boost administrative efficiency and operational capacity ahead of critical engagements.
The party's Secretary, Fatai Adesina, commended the senator for his consistent commitment, unwavering support, and remarkable dedication to the party's growth, describing his efforts as exemplary and worthy of emulation by others. The State Women Leader, Mrs. Felicia Opatunde, urged the senator to remain gender-sensitive in all engagements, stressing the need to prioritize women's inclusion, empowerment, and active participation in party programmes.
Similarly, the State Youth Leader, Glory Olalekan, advocated for greater youth participation, urging the senator to ensure inclusiveness, create opportunities, and give young people a stronger voice in decision-making processes. Earlier, Alli restated his commitment to unity, saying that strong party structures are vital for good governance, aligning his gesture with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in advancing the party's objectives.
