Adelabu kicks as Oyo APC leaders endorse Alli
Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State have endorsed former Secretary to the State Government, Sharafadeen Alli, as the preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The endorsement was contained in a statement issued on Friday after a “high-level leadership summit” held in Samonda, Ibadan, where stakeholders from across the state’s geopolitical zones and all 33 local government areas gathered.
However, supporters of the immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, have rejected the endorsement, describing it as unauthorised and capable of undermining party unity ahead of the election.
The supporters, led by an APC stalwart in Ibadan, Tade Akinjobi, in a statement, warned that any endorsement not approved by the party’s official structure was “null and void” and of no consequence to the party’s electoral process.
Declaring support for Alli, the APC leaders said the endorsement aligned with a broader consensus approach reportedly adopted by party leaders in neighbouring Lagos and Ogun states, aimed at consolidating internal cohesion ahead of the next general election.
Speaking at the meeting, a former lawmaker who represented Oyo Central in the Senate, Ayo Adeseun, said the gathering was convened to formally affirm Alli’s candidacy following wide consultations among party leaders.
He disclosed that the decision was further strengthened by consultations with President Bola Tinubu, who, according to him, expressed support for Alli as the party’s preferred standard-bearer in the state.
“Mr President remains the leader of our party, and his opinion on who flies the party’s flag must be given due consideration,” Adeseun was quoted as saying.
Another party leader, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, also backed the consensus arrangement, urging other aspirants to align with the decision in the interest of unity and electoral success.
Ibikunle said internal cohesion would be critical for the party’s performance in the 2027 governorship contest.
The statement noted that the summit attracted prominent APC leaders, including Chief Akin Oke, Alhaji Akin Olajide, Chief MKO Laoye, Segun Odebunmi, George Akintola and several others.
In his response, Alli expressed appreciation to party leaders for the confidence reposed in him, pledging inclusive governance if elected.
He also thanked President Tinubu for what he described as his guidance and leadership within the party.
Meanwhile, the Adelabu supporters described the move as an attempt to impose Alli as the preferred candidate outside established party procedures.
Akinjobi added that such actions could deepen divisions among aspirants who have already obtained nomination and expression of interest forms.
He argued that the state party structure was broader than any single group, stressing that several blocs, including legacy political structures and stakeholders across zones, must be carried along to avoid internal conflict.
The APC stalwart cautioned against attempts to misrepresent the position of the President in the ongoing succession discussions, insisting that Tinubu’s name should not be used to legitimise factional endorsements.
He maintained that the APC must adhere strictly to due process in selecting its candidate, adding that internal democracy remains critical to the party’s stability.
“The party is sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” he warned.
Also, an APC ex-officio member in the state, Kola Amoo, urged caution, noting that while individuals and groups may express political preferences, such positions do not override the official decision-making process of the party.
He reaffirmed that the final decision on the mode of primaries remains within the party structure, adding that the APC must avoid actions capable of deepening internal divisions.
Similarly, an executive member of the APC in Oyo State, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, dismissed the endorsement claim, insisting that no such decision had been taken by the party’s official leadership.
He said there was no state executive involvement in the meeting where the purported endorsement was made, stressing that neither the party leadership nor President Tinubu had announced any consensus arrangement.
The source argued that any legitimate consensus process must involve the recognised leadership of the party at the state level, particularly the state chairman, who, according to him, would be expected to formally preside over or endorse such a process.
“There is no executive member of the state in such a meeting. Asiwaju and the APC have not said anything about consensus candidates. The party chairman has not spoken on behalf of the party.
“It is the state chairman that will raise the hand at such a meeting if there will be any consensus,” he said.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any endorsement made without consultation with aspirants who have already obtained nomination forms, stressing that due process must be respected.
The executive member maintained that it was inappropriate for a group of individuals to unilaterally decide on behalf of the party without the knowledge or involvement of the state executive committee.
“Four people have collected forms. If there will be any consensus candidate, would they discuss with the people that have collected the forms and agree?
“A group of people cannot just come together to decide for the APC in Oyo when the state executive, including the chairman, is not aware of it,” he said.
He warned that such actions, if not properly checked, could deepen internal divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Credit – Punch
