Oyo APC governorship candidate gets INEC form, introduces running mate

The All Progressives Congress on Thursday presented the Independent National Electoral Commission nomination form to Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the party's candidate for the Oyo State governorship election. He also introduced Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate for the 2027 election.

Adedeji, who is 46 years old, studied Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. He is from Iwo-Ate in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State. He is also the younger brother of Dr Zacch Adedeji, who is the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service.

At the event, the Oyo State APC Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Moses Adeyemo, called on party members to unite and work together. He believes that unity will help the party win the 2027 governorship election.

Adeyemo said, "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."

The APC Deputy National Auditor, Mr Gbenga Olayemi, presented the INEC nomination form to Alli. He described Alli as the party’s standard-bearer and encouraged members to support him ahead of the election.

In his acceptance speech, Alli called his candidacy a victory for all party members. He promised to lead with fairness, accountability, and inclusiveness if he becomes governor. He thanked President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, the state party leadership, security agencies, and party members for their support during the primary election.

Alli also expressed gratitude to his fellow aspirants. He urged them and their supporters to come together to support the party's goal of reclaiming power in Oyo State. He said the task ahead requires sacrifice, unity, and commitment from all party members.

"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," he said.

Alli stated that if elected, his administration would focus on agriculture, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, and economic growth. He mentioned that his government would align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting justice, fairness, accountability, compassion, and service to the people.

"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.

Adedeji accepted his nomination as the deputy governorship candidate. He thanked the party leadership for choosing him and expressed confidence that the APC would win the 2027 governorship election.

The event had members of the APC State Working Committee, led by Adeyemo, National Assembly and State House of Assembly candidates for the 2027 elections, party leaders, and stakeholders. Notable attendees included Senators Ayo Adeseun, Hosea Agboola, Femi Lanlehin, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Pa Timothy Jolaoso, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and Alhaji Olayide Abbas.