The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ibarapa axis of Oyo State has unanimously endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its preferred governorship aspirant for the 2027 general election, citing his leadership credentials, grassroots appeal and broad acceptability across party structures.

The endorsement was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibarapa to receive the senator on a consultative visit to party leaders in the zone.

The meeting, presided over by the Ibarapa APC leader, Chief Alarape Jolaoso, attracted party elders, youth leaders, women leaders and grassroots mobilisers from the three local government areas in the zone.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Jolaoso said the decision followed extensive consultations across Ibarapa, adding that the zone had resolved to support a candidate with proven capacity, experience and strong political integration.

He described Senator Alli as a “bridge-builder” whose record in public service and consistent engagement with grassroots stakeholders had distinguished him among aspirants, stressing that his emergence as the preferred choice reflected the collective aspiration of party members in the zone.

According to him, the endorsement was a product of unity and careful consideration, noting that Ibarapa APC remained committed to presenting a candidate capable of strengthening the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.

Other leaders at the meeting also expressed confidence in Alli’s leadership capacity, describing him as a loyal party man whose contributions have helped consolidate the APC structure across Oyo State.

They added that his endorsement was already generating wider acceptance among political blocs and interest groups, strengthening what they described as a growing momentum for his governorship ambition.

In his response, Senator Alli expressed appreciation for the endorsement, describing it as a call to greater responsibility.

He pledged to run an inclusive administration if elected, assuring that all zones of the state would benefit equitably from governance and development initiatives.

Alli also promised to deepen consultations with stakeholders across the state, stressing that inclusive engagement and collective participation would be central to his political approach.

The endorsement is expected to further boost Alli’s standing within the APC and reinforce his emergence as a leading contender ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

Prominent leaders present at the meeting included Chief Alarape Jolaoso, Apostle Zacheus Aderounmu, Chief Dayo Adeola, Chief T.A.A. Adenrele, Chief Francis Babalola and Alhaji Olayide Abas, alongside all three local government APC chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders and local government executives across Ibarapa zone.