APC Oyo Rejects Sharafadeen Alli Consensus Claim Amid 2027 Race Hype

It's a chaotic morning in Oyo State politics, where official statements clash directly with whispers from Lagos headquarters. The state public secretary has shut down rumors that Sharafadeen Alli, Senator for Oyo South Senatorial District has been quietly handed the party ticket for the 2027 governorship race. But the narrative isn't quite so simple on the ground.

Olawale Sadare, APC Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, told reporters he had never heard of such a meeting. He insisted the party machinery is currently focused on the upcoming Zonal Convention rather than premature candidate selections. Yet, sources close to the central leadership suggest a much more strategic game is unfolding behind closed doors.

The Meeting That May Have Changed Everything

Turns out, a significant gathering took place over the long holiday weekend. While the official line denies it, multiple outlets including The PUNCH reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted a session at his residence in Lagos. It was during Eid el-Fitr celebrations that the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and a delegation of twenty-three governors sat down.

The twist is what allegedly happened in that private session. Stakeholders reportedly discussed a triad of consensus candidates for the three major South-West states voting in 2027: Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo. For Oyo, the name that floated most heavily was Alli. In Lagos, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat was favored, while Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) was linked to Ogun State.

Sources describe the meeting as lengthy, suggesting serious deliberations went into balancing regional interests. However, here's the thing—official confirmation remains elusive. The party wants to avoid early factionalism, but insiders know power centers often decide things before the primaries even open.

Competing Aspirants Push Back Hard

Naturally, when one name rises, others sink. Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, a prominent aspirant himself, saw his camp react swiftly. His aide, Otunba Femi Awogboro, called the reports false. Awogboro pointed out that Adelabu missed the gathering because he was away for the Lesser Hajj.

"There was no record of the President making any pronouncement," Awogboro stated. "Adelabu remains the strongest and most qualified among those seeking the party's ticket." The implication is clear: without the minister present, no binding decision regarding his candidacy could have logically been finalized.

Adding fuel to the fire is another emerging contender, Saheed Oladele. His media team dismissed the Alli report as a "complete fabrication." They argued that promoting Alli, who joined the party recently in 2022, would disrupt the peace within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Their statement emphasized inclusivity and development-driven governance, positioning Oladele as the safer bet for victory.

Why This Battle Matters for the South West

This isn't just about picking names; it's about holding onto the zone. The incumbent Governor, Seyi Makinde, represents the opposition, and the APC knows it needs a war-ready candidate. Sources claim stakeholders are eyeing compensation packages for other aspirants to smooth the path for a consensus choice.

A planned stakeholder meeting in Abuja scheduled for late March could settle these debates. Until then, the airwaves remain filled with speculation and counter-statements.

What Happens Next?

Looking ahead, the road to 2027 involves two critical milestones. First is the Zonal Convention in Lagos, followed by the National Convention in Abuja. These events determine the delegates' strength, which ultimately dictates who wins the ticket. With factions divided between loyalists and independents, the coming weeks promise high drama.