The internal power struggle within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified, following strong opposition by former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to the alleged consensus adoption of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
During a visit to the party secretariat, Adelabu made it clear that the so-called consensus arrangement lacks legitimacy and broad-based support within the APC structure in Oyo State. According to him, five major political blocs—the Lamists, the Abiola Ajimobi political family, the Adebayo Alao-Akala group, loyalists of Teslim Folarin, and his own supporters—collectively represent about 95% of the party’s grassroots and leadership structure in the state. He stressed that none of these dominant factions were present at the meeting where Alli was purportedly endorsed.
Adelabu’s position aligns with growing dissent within the party, as his camp has openly rejected the endorsement, describing it as an attempt to impose a candidate outside established democratic procedures. Reports indicate that the endorsement of Alli emerged from a “high-level leadership summit” in Ibadan, where some APC stakeholders claimed to have reached a consensus in his favour.
However, this move has triggered significant backlash. Adelabu and his supporters argue that such a decision cannot stand without the involvement of critical stakeholders and the official party structure. They warn that sidelining influential blocs could deepen divisions and weaken the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The controversy comes amid broader discussions within the APC at both state and national levels about adopting consensus candidates as a strategy to strengthen unity and electoral success. In fact, similar conversations have reportedly taken place in other South-West states, where party leaders are considering consensus arrangements to streamline candidate selection.
Despite these efforts, Adelabu has firmly dismissed claims that a final decision has been reached in Oyo. He insists that no legitimate consensus exists and maintains that the governorship ticket remains open for contest. His stance reinforces earlier reports where he denied any official adoption of a candidate, emphasizing that due process must be followed.
Political analysts note that the situation reflects deeper structural tensions within the Oyo APC, where multiple power centers continue to compete for dominance. The mention of key legacy blocs—particularly those associated with late political heavyweights like Ajimobi and Akala—highlights the enduring influence of political alignments in shaping party decisions.
Meanwhile, Senator Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District, has continued to enjoy backing from some party leaders who believe his candidacy could unify the party. His endorsement by certain stakeholders was reportedly influenced by consultations with top national figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose opinion carries significant weight within the APC.
Still, the lack of unanimity underscores a critical challenge for the party: balancing internal democracy with strategic consensus-building. As the 2027 election approaches, the APC in Oyo State faces the urgent task of reconciling its factions to avoid a repeat of past electoral setbacks.
For now, Adelabu’s bold declaration has reshaped the narrative—turning what was presented as a settled arrangement into a full-blown political contest. With multiple aspirants and entrenched interests at play, the race for the Oyo APC governorship ticket is far from over, and the coming months are likely to define the party’s unity, credibility, and chances at the polls.
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