As political permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election continue to gather momentum in Oyo State, a major development has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC), as influential stakeholders across the state have reportedly united in support of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli’s governorship ambition.
The gathering, which has generated intense discussions within the state's political landscape, was notable not only for the endorsement of the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District but also for the conspicuous absence of two prominent APC figures and potential governorship aspirants, Chief Adebayo Adelabu and Senator Teslim Folarin.
The stakeholders' meeting is being interpreted by many political observers as a significant signal of the shifting dynamics within the Oyo APC as the race to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027 gradually takes shape. Reports from party insiders indicate that leaders, elders, and influential members of the party used the forum to express confidence in Senator Alli's leadership credentials, political experience, and capacity to reposition the party ahead of the next gubernatorial election.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, popularly known as BSA among his supporters, has steadily strengthened his political influence since emerging as the senator representing Oyo South in the 2023 general elections. Before his election into the National Assembly, he served in several strategic positions in Oyo State, including Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff during the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja. He also chaired Odu’a Investment Company Limited, where he played key roles in regional economic development initiatives.
The endorsement comes at a time when Alli's political profile continues to rise within the APC. In April 2026, he officially declared his intention to contest the Oyo governorship election under the APC platform, a move that immediately intensified conversations regarding the party's future leadership direction. Political analysts have since described him as one of the strongest contenders within the opposition party.
However, the growing support for Alli has also exposed existing fault lines within the Oyo APC. Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and former governorship candidate, remains one of the most influential figures in the party. Adelabu, who previously contested the governorship election under both the APC and Accord Party, is widely believed to be preparing another attempt at the state's highest office. His political structure and grassroots network continue to command substantial influence across several local government areas.
Similarly, former Senate Leader and 2023 APC governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, remains a formidable force within the party. Having served multiple terms in the Senate and maintained a strong political presence in Oyo Central and beyond, Folarin is still regarded as a key stakeholder whose political decisions could significantly affect the party's chances in 2027.
The absence of both Adelabu and Folarin at the stakeholders' gathering has therefore fueled speculation about the possibility of emerging factions and alignments within the party. While neither camp has publicly reacted to the development, political watchers believe the unfolding situation could shape the nature of APC's governorship primary election in the coming months.
Supporters of Senator Alli insist that the endorsement reflects growing confidence in his ability to unite the party and provide a strong challenge to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. Several stakeholders reportedly described him as a grassroots politician with extensive experience in governance, legislative affairs, and party administration.
With Governor Seyi Makinde expected to complete his constitutionally permitted second term in 2027, political activities across Oyo State are already intensifying. Both the APC and PDP are expected to witness fierce internal contests as aspirants position themselves for what is anticipated to be one of the most competitive governorship elections in the state's recent history.
As the battle for Agodi Government House gradually unfolds, the latest endorsement of Senator Sharafadeen Alli may have altered the political equation within the Oyo APC. Whether the emerging support translates into a consensus candidacy or triggers a fierce primary contest involving other heavyweight aspirants remains one of the biggest questions ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
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