A law firm representing a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has formally petitioned the party's national headquarters, demanding the disqualification of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli from the 2027 governorship election. The petition argues that the lawmaker's recent elevation to a traditional stool renders him ineligible for elective office under the Nigerian constitution.
Petition Submitted to APC Screening Committee
Legal-Learning Practitioners submitted the formal complaint to the APC Governorship Screening Committee on May 8, 2026. The firm acts on behalf of a group identified as "Concerned Youth and Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State Chapter." The petition centers on Senator Alli's elevation to the rank of a beaded crown-wearing Oba within the Olubadan in Council, a ceremony that took place at Mapo Hall on April 3, 2026, following a circular from the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Legal Argument: Traditional Title Conflicts with Elective Office
The solicitors argue that Senator Alli's new status as a traditional ruler fundamentally conflicts with his aspirations for elective office. According to the petition, his elevation makes him "ineligible to contest for any elective office" under the current legal framework. The law firm maintains that the Senator should have vacated his seat in the Senate upon his promotion, as holding both a traditional title and a legislative position is unconstitutional.
Party Warned of Impending Disaster
The petitioners describe the possible nomination of Senator Alli as an "impending disaster" for the APC, which has been out of power in Oyo State for seven years. They caution that fielding a disqualified candidate would provide a "cheap spoil for the opposition at the Election Petition Tribunal" and could lead to a legal defeat. Senior Counsel Oluwole Olatunde, who signed the letter, urged the party leadership to consider the negative consequences and act immediately to prevent a legal setback.
Earlier Crisis in Oyo APC
This development follows earlier tensions within the Oyo APC chapter. The former vice-chairman of the party in the state, Isiaka Alimi, was reported to have cursed anyone endorsing Senator Alli. The Senator had been endorsed by Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan and a former governor, and claimed to have the backing of President Bola Tinubu for the APC ticket in 2027.
The petition has been copied to the APC National Secretary and National Legal Adviser, with the lawyers demanding immediate action to protect the party's chances at the polls.
