Oyo APC presents INEC nomination form to gov candidate, names running mate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday presented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form to its Oyo State governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, in Ibadan and also unveiled Hon. Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The event brought together party leaders, candidates, stakeholders and supporters as the APC officially began preparations for the governorship race. Adedeji, who is 46 years old, studied Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is from Iwo-Ate in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State and is the younger brother of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji.

Speaking during the ceremony, Oyo APC Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Moses Adeyemo, called on party members to remain united and work together ahead of the election. He said the party could better serve the people by returning to power and urged members to put aside their differences to achieve victory in 2027.

The APC Deputy National Auditor, Gbenga Olayemi, handed the INEC nomination form to Alli on behalf of the party. He described the governorship candidate as the party’s official flag bearer and appealed to members to support him throughout the campaign.

In his remarks, Alli said his emergence as the APC candidate was a victory for the entire party and not for him alone. He thanked President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, the Oyo State leadership of the party, security agencies and members for their support during the primary election.

The senator also appreciated other aspirants who contested the party’s ticket and appealed to them and their supporters to join hands with the APC to regain power in Oyo State. He said unity and commitment would be needed to achieve success at the polls.

Alli promised that, if elected governor, his administration would focus on agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructure, environmental protection and economic development. He also pledged to run an open and accountable government that would serve people across every part of the state without discrimination.

He added that his administration would work in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while ensuring fairness, justice, compassion and responsible leadership. He assured residents that he would remain accessible and always listen to their concerns.

Adedeji, while accepting his nomination as deputy governorship candidate, thanked the APC leadership for the confidence placed in him. He expressed optimism that the party would secure victory in the 2027 governorship election.

The ceremony was attended by members of the APC State Working Committee, National Assembly and State House of Assembly candidates, as well as party leaders and stakeholders, including Senators Ayo Adeseun, Hosea Agboola and Femi Lanlehin, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Pa Timothy Jolaoso, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe and Alhaji Olayide Abbas.