The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has formally presented Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election and unveiled Hon. Michael Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate, as the party intensified efforts to reclaim power in the state.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Ibadan on Thursday, also featured the presentation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form to Alli, officially kick-starting the party’s campaign preparations for the 2027 governorship election. The development comes days after the APC concluded the nomination process for its candidates ahead of the polls.
Adedeji, 46, an Economics graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, hails from Iwo-Ate in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State. He is the younger brother of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.
Speaking at the event, Oyo APC Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, urged members to put internal differences behind them and unite ahead of the election, stressing that only a united party could successfully challenge the ruling government in the state.
“By the grace of God, come May 29, 2027, our governor and deputy governor will be Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Hon. Adesoji Adedeji. I plead with us in the name of the Lord to come together,” Adeyemo said.
Presenting the INEC nomination form, the APC Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Gbenga Olayemi, described Alli as more than an individual candidate, saying the party’s collective success depended on every member rallying behind him.
“Senator Alli is not just our governorship candidate; he is our flag bearer. Every APC member in Oyo State is a governorship candidate,” Olayemi said.
In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as the party’s standard-bearer as a collective victory for all APC members and extended an olive branch to other aspirants who contested the party’s primary, calling for reconciliation and unity ahead of the governorship election.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, the Oyo State leadership of the party, security agencies and party faithful for their support throughout the nomination process.
Highlighting his vision for the state, the APC candidate said the people of Oyo deserved a government that prioritises inclusion and responsive leadership.
“Our people are yearning for leadership that listens, unites and understands their pains. They deserve a government that works for everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, social class or geopolitical zone,” Alli said.
The senator pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would focus on agriculture, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, environmental protection and inclusive economic growth, while aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through justice, fairness, accountability and compassionate governance.
“I will remain accessible, accountable and a good listener. I will never take the trust of the people for granted. Let us reject division, embrace unity and work together to restore the true Pacesetter glory of Oyo State,” he added.
Accepting his nomination as the deputy governorship candidate, Adedeji thanked the APC leadership for the confidence reposed in him and expressed optimism that the party would secure victory in the 2027 governorship election.
