Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, a move that is already reshaping political conversations within the state chapter of the ruling party.
The endorsement, which emerged after consultations among key party stakeholders, marks one of the earliest major political alignments ahead of the next governorship election in Oyo State. Party leaders say the decision was driven by the need to unite the APC and strengthen its chances of reclaiming power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Senator Alli currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, a position he has held since 2023. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced political figures within the state APC structure due to his long history in grassroots politics and public administration.
Party Leaders Rally Behind Alli
According to party insiders, the endorsement was ratified earlier this month during consultations involving influential APC stakeholders across Oyo State.
Reports indicate that the discussions also reflected broader consultations at the national level, with claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aware of the efforts to build consensus around Alli’s candidacy.
Although the presidency has not officially commented on the development, the alleged involvement of national party leaders has intensified interest in the endorsement process.
Supporters of the move describe Senator Alli as a loyal party figure with extensive political experience and strong grassroots support across Oyo State.
Many APC leaders backing the endorsement argue that the party needs a widely accepted candidate capable of unifying different factions and improving its electoral chances after previous setbacks.
Alli’s Political Background
Sharafadeen Alli’s political career stretches back several decades in Oyo State politics.
He first gained major public attention in 1991 when he became the first elected chairman of the Ibadan Municipal Government, a milestone that established him as an influential grassroots political figure in the state.
Over the years, he has occupied several strategic political and administrative positions, building strong relationships across different political blocs within Oyo State.
Political observers say his long-standing involvement in local governance and party organisation has helped him maintain relevance through multiple political transitions.
Since his election to the Senate in 2023, Alli has remained visible within the APC structure while positioning himself as one of the leading figures capable of challenging the PDP administration in the next gubernatorial election.
Supporters argue that his political experience, accessibility, and grassroots appeal make him a strong candidate to lead the party into 2027.
Debate Over Consensus Candidate Strategy
Despite the endorsement, the decision has not been universally accepted within the APC.
Some party members and potential aspirants have reportedly expressed concerns about adopting a consensus arrangement too early before formal primary elections.
Among those associated with calls for open primaries is former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who remains an influential figure within the Oyo APC.
Supporters of open primaries argue that allowing party members to vote freely for their preferred candidate would strengthen internal democracy and reduce the risk of division within the party.
They warn that imposing a consensus candidate without broad agreement from all factions could create tensions capable of weakening the APC ahead of the governorship election.
Political analysts note that internal disputes over candidate selection have historically contributed to factional crises in many Nigerian political parties.
As a result, some stakeholders believe careful negotiation and reconciliation efforts will be necessary to maintain unity within the Oyo APC.
APC Seeks Return to Power in Oyo
The endorsement comes as the APC intensifies efforts to regain control of Oyo State after losing the governorship to the PDP under Governor Seyi Makinde.
Makinde secured re-election in 2023 and has remained one of the PDP’s most prominent governors nationally.
The APC’s defeat in the last governorship election exposed internal divisions within the party, with analysts pointing to factional disagreements and lack of cohesion as major challenges.
Since then, party leaders have repeatedly emphasised the need for reconciliation, unity, and stronger grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections.
Observers say the endorsement of Alli may represent an attempt by senior APC figures to avoid another divisive governorship contest within the party.
However, analysts also caution that managing the ambitions of other influential aspirants will be critical if the APC hopes to present a united front against the PDP in 2027.
Early Political Alignments Ahead of 2027
The development in Oyo State reflects a broader trend of early political positioning already emerging across Nigeria despite the next general elections being years away.
Political actors nationwide are increasingly engaging in coalition-building, endorsements, and strategic consultations as parties begin preparing for future contests.
Analysts say the growing intensity of political activity highlights the importance many parties attach to early mobilisation and internal stability.
In Oyo State, the governorship race is expected to attract significant national attention because of the state’s political influence in the South-West region.
Observers believe the eventual APC candidate will play a major role in determining whether the party can successfully challenge the PDP’s dominance in the state.
Calls for Unity Continue
As reactions continue to trail the endorsement, several APC stakeholders have called for unity and caution against actions capable of creating fresh divisions within the party.
Supporters of Senator Alli insist that consensus-building remains the best strategy for avoiding internal conflict and strengthening the APC ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile, advocates of open primaries maintain that transparent competition is essential for preserving party democracy and legitimacy.
With political calculations for 2027 already intensifying, the debate over consensus candidacy versus open primaries is likely to remain a major issue within the Oyo APC in the coming months.
