The political coast is gradually clearing for the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli to emerge as the consensus governorship candidate of the (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Findings by Oduduwa News reveal that despite the presence of over 15 gubernatorial aspirants across Oyo State’s geo-political zones, key party stakeholders appear to be rallying behind Alli as the most acceptable choice. This development reportedly followed a high-level meeting with President in Lagos on Sunday.
The meeting came shortly after President Tinubu returned from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where he had engagements at . Sources disclosed that part of his time in Lagos was devoted to strategic consultations on political developments in the South-West ahead of 2027.
According to insiders, the endorsement of Alli was reached after extensive deliberations, with participants considering his political experience, grassroots appeal, and acceptability across party factions in the state. Those present at the meeting included Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila ; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele ; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji ; and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacheaus Adedeji, among other top stakeholders.
Further strengthening Alli’s candidacy, sources revealed that he enjoys the backing of a majority of APC leaders in Oyo State, as well as the Olubadan of Ibadanland . Alli, a Senior Chief of Ibadanland, has previously served as a local government chairman and Secretary to the State Government before his current role in the Senate.
Meanwhile, discussions at the meeting also touched on concerns surrounding the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu. Sources indicated that his perceived lack of grassroots support remains a major challenge, with party members citing recent electoral setbacks, including the APC’s loss in all 12 wards in the Ibadan North federal constituency by-election to the (PDP).
Party insiders further disclosed that internal divisions over Adelabu’s ambition have continued to widen cracks within the APC, making Alli a unifying figure widely accepted across factions. As political alignments intensify, many observers believe his emergence could reshape the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship race against the camp of incumbent Governor .
