The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday confirmed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its candidate for the 2027 Oyo governorship election with the presentation of nomination form to him in Ibadan, the state’s capital.
The party also presented nomination form to Mr. Adesoji Adedeji as Alli’s running mate for the 2027 election.
Speaking after presenting the nomination forms to the two, APC Deputy National Auditor, Mr Gbenga Olayemi, urged all members of the party in the state to support the candidates in the elections.
He said that the party members acceptance of the candidates would make the journey to the Oyo State Government House in 2027 a collective effort.
“On behalf of the leadership of our great party, I hereby officially present to Sen. Sharafadeen Alli the nomination form from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s authentic candidate in 2027,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Alli announced the nomination of Mr Adesoji Adedeji from the Ogbomoso Zone of the state as his running mate in the forthcoming election.
He described his victory at the primary election as a victory for unity, perseverance, democracy, enduring peace, and prosperity in Oyo State.
The APC governorship candidate said that his victory also belonged to every loyal party member who believes in the ideals of progressive politics.
Alli promised to remain accessible, accountable, and a good listener.
“I will listen to the marketplace as attentively as I listen to the bedroom, and by the grace of God, I will never take your trust for granted.
“Today, I openly accept this responsibility with every sense of duty and determination.
“To all my brothers and fellow aspirants, I salute your courage, your tenacity, democratic spirit, and your love for democratic rights, not because we all agree, but because we all believe in a common future.
“We shall build a government that belongs to the people and works for the people. A government where no one feels forgotten or left behind.
“A government where merit, competence, and character triumph.
“Let us move forward together with unity, courage, and determination. Let us reject division and choose unity,” he said.
Alli also solicited the support of party members to place the future of the state above individual ambition.
“The journey to our good government has officially begun.
“I wish to specially thank and appreciate the National Leader of the APC, President Bola Tinubu, whose courage, resilience, visionary leadership, and Renewed Hope Agenda continue to inspire millions of Nigerians towards national rebirth and economic transformation,” he said.
Earlier, the APC Chairman in Oyo State, Chief Moses Adeyemo, in his remarks, said that the time had come to move from being an opposition party, as it had been for about eight years, to a ruling party.
This, he said, would be possible if party members could put past grievances aside and work together as true party members.
The event also featured the unveiling of candidates contesting for Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats.