As political permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election continue to gather momentum in Oyo State, strong indications have emerged that Senator Sharafadeen Alli may have become the preferred choice of critical power blocs within the State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including influential figures close to the Presidency.
This came as the APC gubernatorial election held peacefully across the state on Thursday, with party leaders preaching unity and urging aspirants to accept the outcome of the exercise in good faith.
Multiple party insiders who spoke with journalists in Ibadan hinted that Senator Alli’s growing acceptance across the state and his longstanding loyalty to the progressive family have continued to strengthen his standing for party’s sole ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
A highly placed party source disclosed that the presence of APC monitoring officials from Abuja during the exercise was interpreted by many stakeholders as a strong signal of solidarity with the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District.
According to the source, the Presidency’s disposition towards Alli has become increasingly evident within party circles and in the Thursday primary election across the political wards of the State.
“Senator Alli remains the preferred gubernatorial material for many influential stakeholders in the party. That is why the monitoring team from Abuja is here identifying with the process and observing developments closely,” the source said.
“Everybody understands the political reality. You do not expect President Bola Tinubu to publicly raise the senator’s hand in the build up to today’s primary election and declare him the candidate, but the body language within the party speaks volumes.
“From reports coming across Ibadanland, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones, Alli’s popularity has continued to resonate strongly across the 351 wards in the state. His name keeps recurring among grassroots leaders and party faithful.”
The source further pointed to the recent late-night visit by presidential aide and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, to Senator Alli shortly before the primary election, describing it as politically significant.
Political observers believe the visit may not be unconnected with ongoing consultations among APC stakeholders over the future direction of the party in Oyo State.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the APC Monitoring Committee for the gubernatorial and House of Assembly primaries in Oyo State, Chief Ayo Afolabi, has appealed to all aspirants to embrace peace and accept the outcome of the election.
Afolabi, who also serves as the South-West Publicity Secretary of the APC, made the call while monitoring the exercise at Ward 3 in Ibadan North Local Government Area.
He was accompanied by the Chairman of the APC gubernatorial and House of Assembly primary elections committee in the state, Hon. Taofik Abdulsalam, alongside other party officials.
Addressing journalists after observing the exercise, Afolabi commended party members for their orderly conduct and peaceful participation.
“What the monitoring committee has observed today is highly commendable. The process has been peaceful and orderly, and party members have conducted themselves responsibly,” he said.
“So far, we are satisfied with the reports coming from different locations. I want to appeal to all aspirants and party faithful to accept the outcome in good faith. It is time for members of our great party to unite and work together.”
Senator Alli, who cast his vote during the exercise, also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the primary election, describing the process as transparent and peaceful.
The lawmaker who was flanked by party executives and his colleagues from the National Assembly including Senator Yunus Akintunde and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, urged all aspirants to place the interest of the APC above personal ambition and rally behind whoever eventually emerges as the party’s standard bearer.
“I am happy with the process. As you can see, the exercise has been peaceful, free and fair,” Alli said.
“I want to appeal to my fellow aspirants that we should all accept the result of this primary election in good faith.
“Whoever emerges should enjoy the support of all of us.
““We must remain united and work together for the success of the APC and our collective mission to reclaim Agodi Government House in 2027.”
Political analysts believe Alli’s conciliatory posture, grassroots reach and growing acceptance across major voting blocs may further consolidate his position as one of the leading figures in the contest for the soul of the APC in Oyo State ahead of the next governorship election.
