Senator Sharafadeen Alli on Thursday formally received the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.

The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District also unveiled Michael Adedeji, a 46-year-old Economics graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University from Iwo-Ate in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area, as his running mate.

The presentation of the nomination form, held in Ibadan, marked the formal commencement of the APC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

Speaking at the event, Oyo APC Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Moses Alake Adeyemo, urged members to close ranks and work collectively towards reclaiming power in the state.

Adeyemo said the party’s focus should be on returning to government rather than remaining in opposition, appealing to aggrieved members to sheathe their swords in the interest of victory.

“By the grace of God, come May 29, 2027, our governor and deputy governor will be Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Hon. Michael Adedeji. I plead with us in the name of the Lord to come together,” he said.

Presenting the INEC nomination form, APC Deputy National Auditor, Gbenga Olayemi, described Alli as the party’s standard bearer, stressing that his candidature symbolised the collective aspiration of APC members across Oyo State.

“Senator Alli is not just our governorship candidate; he is our flag bearer. Every APC member in Oyo State is a governorship candidate,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as a victory for the entire party and pledged to offer inclusive, transparent and accountable leadership if elected governor.

He expressed gratitude to Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, the Oyo State leadership of the party, security agencies and party members for their support throughout the primary process.

The senator also acknowledged the contributions of fellow aspirants, urging them and their supporters to unite behind the party’s objective of reclaiming Oyo State in 2027.

According to him, the APC must now move beyond the primary election and focus on presenting a credible alternative capable of addressing the aspirations of the people.

“Our people are yearning for leadership that listens, unites and understands their pains. They deserve a government that works for everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, social class or geopolitical zone,” he said.

Alli said his administration would prioritise agriculture, youth empowerment, quality education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

He added that his government would align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting justice, fairness, accountability, compassion and service to the people.

“I will remain accessible, accountable and a good listener. I will never take the trust of the people for granted. Let us reject division, embrace unity and work together to restore the true Pacesetter glory of Oyo State,” he added.

Adedeji, in his acceptance remarks, thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and expressed optimism that the APC would return to power in Oyo State in the 2027 election.

The ceremony attracted members of the APC State Working Committee, National Assembly and House of Assembly candidates, as well as party leaders and stakeholders, including Ayo Adeseun, Hosea Agboola, Femi Lanlehin, Fatai Ibikunle, Timothy Jolaoso and Olayide Abbas, among others.