Aligning with the consensus strategy seen in Lagos and Ogun states, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election, marking a decisive move toward unity and coordinated political strategy.

The endorsement was finalised at a high-level leadership summit held in Samonda, Ibadan, where key stakeholders from across the state gathered to shape the party’s electoral direction ahead of the next general election.

Addressing participants, Senator Ayo Adeseun stated that the meeting was convened to formally affirm Alli’s candidacy and solidify agreement among party leaders.

He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations and was strengthened by the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Adeseun, he had earlier met with the President in Abuja, where Tinubu reportedly gave strong reasons for supporting Alli as the party’s candidate in Oyo State.

He stressed that, as the national leader of the APC, the President’s stance carries considerable influence and should be respected by party members.

“Mr. President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration,” Adeseun said, noting that Alli had already declared his governorship ambition before the endorsement.

In the same vein, party leader Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle confirmed that he also engaged with President Tinubu, who, according to him, endorsed Alli as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State.

Ibikunle urged other aspirants within the APC to support the consensus decision, emphasizing that unity within the party would be essential to mounting a strong challenge in the election.

He added that internal cohesion remains critical for electoral success.

The summit attracted a wide range of party leaders and stakeholders from all geopolitical zones and the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, reflecting the weight of the endorsement.

Responding to the endorsement, Senator Alli expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to pursue inclusive governance if elected.

He assured party members that he would justify their support and thanked the President for providing guidance to the party in the state.

With this development, the APC in Oyo State appears to be consolidating its structure early, positioning Alli as the central figure in its 2027 governorship ambition while seeking to avoid the internal divisions that have affected past elections.

Among those present at the summit were Chief Akin Oke; 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; and Lanre Otiti.