The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, alongside party leaders and senatorial candidates, on Saturday paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The delegation used the visit to brief the President on the outcome of the party’s recent primary election and ongoing efforts to reposition the APC for victory in Oyo State.
Speaking after the meeting, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, said the party was encouraged by Tinubu’s response and expressed confidence that the APC was on course to reclaim power in the state.
According to Adeyemo, the President commended the party’s leadership for successfully conducting its primary election and assured members of his continued support as they prepare for the next governorship contest.
He noted that the APC remains optimistic about its chances in the election despite the presence of the current administration in the state, adding that the party has already begun implementing strategies aimed at securing victory in 2027.
Adeyemo stressed that party members were united and determined to return the APC to power, describing the governorship race as one the party is fully prepared to contest.
Also speaking, Senator Alli expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the election, citing the support of President Tinubu, party leaders and supporters across Oyo State.
The governorship candidate said he would rely on his experience, competence and integrity to win the confidence of voters, adding that the party possesses a strong network of political leaders and stakeholders capable of delivering success at the polls.
He further praised the contributions of serving and former public office holders within the APC, describing them as critical assets to the party’s electoral ambitions.
On party unity, Alli revealed that reconciliation efforts were already underway following the primary election. He disclosed that consultations with other aspirants began even before the primary and that many had pledged to support whoever emerged as the party’s flag bearer.
According to him, party leaders have intensified moves to bring all stakeholders together in a united front ahead of the 2027 election.
“We are working to ensure that everyone is carried along. The reconciliation process has commenced, and our goal is to move forward as one family,” he said.
Senator Alli emerged as the APC governorship candidate after defeating former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in the party’s primary election held earlier this month.
Adelabu had resigned from his ministerial position to contest the APC ticket and had previously disclosed that he secured President Tinubu’s blessing before entering the race. However, his supporters have since challenged the conduct and outcome of the primary election.
Saturday’s meeting marked Alli’s first official engagement with President Tinubu since emerging as the APC governorship candidate, as the party begins preparations for what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship election in Oyo State.