The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State has formally presented its candidates for the 2027 general elections, with Senator Sharafadeen Alli emerging as the party’s governorship standard-bearer.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Friday at the APC state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, where the party also presented its deputy governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates.
Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, used the occasion to call for unity among party members as the APC prepares for the 2027 elections.
The governorship candidate expressed appreciation to God, President Bola Tinubu, party leaders and members for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the party’s campaign for the governorship seat.
Alli Calls for Unity Within APC
In his address, Alli appealed to other aspirants who contested the governorship ticket with him to remain committed to the collective interest of the party.
He said the aspirants should not be viewed as rivals following the conclusion of the internal contest, but as members of the same political family whose cooperation would be essential to the APC’s success.
“Those who contested the governorship ticket alongside me should not be regarded as opponents but as brothers and critical stakeholders in the collective struggle for the party’s victory,” Alli said.
The senator warned against internal disagreements and divisions, stressing that the party would need to remain united if it hopes to secure electoral victory across the state.
“A united APC would present a stronger front and improve the party’s chances of electoral victory across Oyo,” he said.
His appeal places party cohesion at the centre of the APC’s preparations, with the newly unveiled candidates expected to work together as the party moves towards the 2027 polls.
APC Governorship and Senate Candidates
Alongside Alli, the party unveiled Soji Adedeji as its deputy governorship candidate.
The three senatorial candidates presented at the ceremony were Senator Yunus Akintunde for Oyo Central, Mrs Hannah Ogunsean for Oyo North and Aderemi Oseni for Oyo South.
The party’s list also includes candidates for the 14 House of Representatives constituencies in the state.
Hon Akeem Adeyemi was unveiled for Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West, while Hon Olafiye Akinmoyede will contest Akinyele/Lagelu. Tajudeen Kareem was presented for Atisbo/Saki East/Saki West, with Hon Akinola Adekunle Alabi representing the party’s ticket for Egbeda/Ona-Ara.
For Ibadan North, the APC unveiled Umar Arisekola, while Olatunji Olaiya will contest Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo was presented for Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West.
Sarafadeen Olaoniye will contest Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North, while Yusuf Osuolale was unveiled for Ibarapa East/Ido.
The remaining House of Representatives candidates are Bosun Oladele for Irepo/Olorunsogo/Orelope; Saheed Yusuf for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa; Olamiju Alao-Akala for Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Orire; Olusegun Odebunmi for Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere; and Tolulope Sadipe for Oluyole.
32 State Assembly Candidates Presented
The APC also presented candidates for all 32 State House of Assembly constituencies in the state.
Among those unveiled were Oyewole Abiola for Afijio, Ajao Olugbega for Akinyele I, Owoade Tunde Jelili for Akinyele II, Ijadunola Olushina for Atiba and Olumide Bernard for Egbeda.
Other candidates presented by the party include Adeyemi Olaide, Aderibigbe Abiodun, Razak Adekunle, Adepoju Steve, Jimoh Tesleem, Hamzat Wasiu, Adegoke Wariths, Tolani Adigun, Okunola Ado, Ogunlade Babatunde, Tajudeen Amoo, Adeleke Azeez and Salami Waliu.
The remaining candidates unveiled at the ceremony were Akande Babatunde, Salami Rasheed, Azeez Akintola, Giwa Olawale, Shittu Abdulfatai, Adegoke Ayodeji, Lawal Akeem, Funmilola Obisesan, Jimoh Luqman, Bamigboye Jacob, Ajeigbe Abiodun, Shittu Ibrahim, Aliu Adetunji and Jesutoye Olayinka.
The presentation of the candidates completes the APC’s unveiling of its ticket for the various legislative contests covered by the party’s 2027 election preparations in Oyo State.
Party Chairman Charges Members on Collective Effort
Earlier at the ceremony, the state APC Chairman, Chief Adeyemo Alake, urged party leaders, stakeholders and members to work together towards the success of the party.
Alake said the candidates presented at the event had been affirmed by the party as its flag-bearers for the 2027 general elections.
His message reinforced the call for unity made by Alli, with the party leadership seeking a coordinated effort from its candidates, officials, stakeholders and supporters ahead of the polls.
The party’s leadership is expected to rely on cooperation among its various structures as it prepares to campaign for its candidates across the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly contests.
Alli Promises Inclusive Administration
Beyond the party’s electoral preparations, Alli also outlined some of the areas he said would receive attention if he is elected governor of Oyo State.
The APC candidate promised to run an inclusive administration that would focus on sectors capable of improving the lives of residents across different parts of the state.
He specifically identified education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure among the areas he intends to prioritise.
The pledge was presented as part of his commitment to ensuring that the benefits of government reach residents across Oyo State rather than being concentrated in particular areas.
With the governorship ticket now formally unveiled, Alli will lead the APC’s campaign at the state level, supported by Soji Adedeji as his running mate and the party’s candidates for the legislative positions.
Party Leaders Attend Unveiling
The unveiling attracted several APC leaders, former public office holders, party executives and supporters.
Those present included the deputy governorship candidate, Soji Adedeji; former Deputy Governor Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, wife of the late former governor; and former Oyo North Senator, Senator Hosea Ayoola.
State executive members, party chairmen from the 33 local government areas, other party leaders, members and supporters also attended the programme.
The gathering provided an opportunity for the party to formally present the candidates who will carry the APC banner into the 2027 elections.
With Senator Sharafadeen Alli at the head of the ticket, the Oyo APC has now publicly unveiled its governorship and legislative candidates while urging members to put internal differences aside and work towards a common electoral objective.
The party’s message at the ceremony centred on unity, collective effort and preparation for the 2027 contest, while Alli’s proposed agenda focused on education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and inclusive governance.
Oyo APC Unveils Sharafadeen Alli, 49 Other Candidates for 2027 Elections
