Oyo APC 2027: As Senator Sharafadeen Alli's Ticket Takes Shape, Internal Divisions Refuse to Fade
With the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State preparing to officially unveil its governorship ticket for the 2027 election, political conversations have intensified across the state. While party leaders appear determined to present a united front, reactions from supporters suggest that internal disagreements remain unresolved.
From the beginning of the governorship race, many political observers believed the signs did not favour Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emerging as the party's candidate. Despite the growing indications, Adelabu remained in the contest and eventually resigned his ministerial appointment to pursue his governorship ambition.
Throughout the process, many of his loyal supporters maintained confidence that it was his turn to lead the party into the election. Even as events unfolded in another direction, they continued to believe he would ultimately secure the APC ticket.
Recent developments, however, indicate that the party has settled on the ticket of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli. Reports from party insiders indicate that the official unveiling of the governorship candidate and his running mate is expected in Ibadan, marking another major step in the APC's preparations for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election. The emergence of Senator Alli follows months of consultations among influential APC stakeholders, who had earlier presented him to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party's consensus flag bearer.
The running mate expected to be unveiled alongside Senator Alli is Adesoji Michael Adedeji, a 46-year-old graduate of the Department of Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University. Adedeji hails from Iwo Ate in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State and is regarded by party leaders as one of the younger faces expected to strengthen the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Reports identifying him as the deputy governorship candidate have circulated widely among party supporters.
However, while the leadership appears ready to move forward, conversations within APC support groups paint a different picture.
Several comments exchanged on an APC WhatsApp platform reveal a party still wrestling with competing loyalties. Some members have openly pledged support for Senator Alli's candidacy, insisting that the focus should now be on winning the election regardless of previous preferences. Others remain firmly loyal to Adelabu, expressing confidence that political realities could still change or insisting that the minister remains their preferred leader.
Among the reactions were declarations such as:
- "Winning team."
- "APC will vote in Oyo State and we will win."
- "Join the successful movement."
- "We are all party people."
On the other hand, critics questioned whether a divided APC could successfully challenge the ruling party in Oyo State.
Some argued:
- "A divided house cannot win elections."
- "2019 and 2023 should have taught us lessons."
- "More than 70 percent may work against the party."
Others dismissed the announcement entirely, while some continued to insist that they would remain committed to Adelabu's political future, regardless of the current developments.
These differing opinions highlight what many political analysts have repeatedly identified as one of the APC's biggest challenges in Oyo State—maintaining unity after internal contests. Whether the official unveiling of the governorship ticket succeeds in bringing together the various factions remains to be seen.
As the party formally presents Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Adesoji Michael Adedeji to members and supporters, attention will likely shift from internal competition to reconciliation and campaign strategy. The coming weeks may determine whether the APC can successfully unite its diverse political blocs ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested governorship election in Oyo State.
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