2027: ‘You’re Not Our Governorship Candidate’ — Oyo APC Aspirants Tell Alli

Six governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have openly disagreed with Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli over claims that they had softened their positions and embraced ongoing reconciliation efforts ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The aspirants, operating under the banner of the G6, insisted that no agreement had been reached on the party’s governorship ticket and maintained that Alli should not present himself as the APC candidate for the next election.

Members of the group include former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Engr. Hakeem Alao; Dr. Ayobami Lam-Adesina; Barrister Akeem Agbaje; Mr. Ololade Bakare; and Barrister Musibau Asanike.

Their reaction followed comments recently made by Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Speaking during a media engagement in Ibadan, the senator expressed confidence that efforts were already underway to heal divisions within the party and unite key stakeholders ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to Alli, discussions had been taking place with members of the G6 and other party leaders.

He stated that some of the aspirants had shown willingness to support reconciliation moves designed to strengthen the APC and position it for victory in the next election cycle.

The senator also disclosed that he had held meetings with some of the aspirants in recent days and expressed optimism that disagreements within the party would soon be resolved.

“On my part, I have also been going round to reconcile with members, both the governorship and the senatorial. I can tell you this party is going to resolve all that you think is a crisis,” Alli said.

However, the G6 swiftly distanced itself from the senator’s remarks.

In a statement released by the group, the aspirants said Alli was moving ahead of events and creating the impression that a consensus had already been reached when discussions were still ongoing.

They stressed that none of them had abandoned their political ambitions and that their supporters remained committed to ensuring a fair process for selecting the party’s eventual candidate.

The group stated that the APC in Oyo State had not produced a governorship candidate and warned against any attempt to create such an impression before the party concluded internal consultations.

“Oyo State APC is yet to have a governorship candidate, and Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who has been parading himself as the candidate of our great party, is living in delusion,” the statement said.

The aspirants maintained that they remained loyal members of the APC and had no intention of working against the party.

They noted that their primary concern was the emergence of a candidate through a process that would enjoy broad acceptance among members and stakeholders across the state.

According to them, the success of the APC in 2027 depends on unity, transparency and a consensus-building process that accommodates different interests within the party.

The group reiterated its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and said it would stand by any decision reached through a credible consensus arrangement initiated by the President and the party leadership.

“We are good party men, and we will be pleased to work for the victory of the party with anyone that Asiwaju Tinubu picks as the consensus candidate,” the statement added.

The G6 further argued that imposing any aspirant on party members could deepen divisions and weaken the APC’s chances in the next governorship contest.

They called for wider consultations and a review of ongoing political arrangements to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along.

“While G6 is committed to the success of our party in the 2027 general elections, we insist that the process must be reviewed to bring up a consensus which will ensure the emergence of a candidate that most party members will accept and support. Not an aspirant who is using propaganda in his bid to impose himself as the candidate of the party.”

Despite the disagreement, the aspirants emphasized that the APC in Oyo State remains united and capable of reclaiming power in the state if internal issues are properly managed.

They described the party as one family and said their demand for a credible consensus process should not be interpreted as rebellion against the party leadership.