APC leaders and stakeholders in Oyo State endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as their consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election on Friday. The decision was announced at a leadership summit in Samonda, Ibadan, attended by party members from across the state. Senator Ayo Adeseun, speaking at the event, said the endorsement followed wide consultations and referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's position as a key factor. He stated he had met with President Tinubu in Abuja, where the President reportedly gave strong reasons for supporting Senator Alli as the party's flagbearer.
Adeseun emphasized that as national leader of the APC, Tinubu's opinion on the candidate must be respected. He noted that Senator Alli had declared his intention to run before the endorsement and that the summit's purpose was to affirm his candidacy and build unity. Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Director of the South West Development Commission, also confirmed he had discussed the matter with President Tinubu, who, according to him, backed Alli for the 2027 election.
Ibikunle urged other APC aspirants to accept the consensus decision to ensure party cohesion and strengthen the party's chances in the upcoming race. Senator Alli, in response, appreciated the support and pledged inclusive governance if elected governor in 2027.
Senator Ayo Adeseun cites President Tinubu's backing as central to Senator Alli's endorsement, yet offers no evidence of grassroots consultation despite claiming wide party consensus. If the President's preference is the decisive factor, then Oyo APC aspirants are not running for office but seeking presidential approval. The call for unity rings hollow when the process appears pre-ordained by figures outside the state. Senator Alli's promise of inclusive governance stands in contrast to a selection method driven by top-down endorsement.
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