The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed insinuations that the Presidency and the party’s national leadership have endorsed the lawmaker representing Oyo South, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, as the consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The clarification comes amid a wave of early endorsements and succession permutations across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

But reacting in a telephone interview with The Guardian, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Wole Sadare, insisted that no such endorsement exists in the state.

Sadare stressed that neither the Presidency nor the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has issued any directive suggesting the adoption of a consensus candidate for Oyo State.

Meanwhile, a source in the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) claimed that a consensus arrangement in favour of Hamzat had been concluded, with indications that he could also replace the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The source, however, maintained that Hamzat’s candidacy appears certain, adding that there is also an understanding within the political structure that the next governor of Lagos should be a Muslim.

In another development, a group, Concerned Members of Lagos State APC, led by Tunde Samson, has warned against any attempt to undermine free, fair and credible primaries in the selection of the party’s governorship candidate.

In a statement signed by Samson, the group alleged plans by some party figures to impose preferred candidates.
MEANWHILE, Alli has donated a brand new 18-seater bus and N10 million to the APC Secretariat in Oyo State.

The donation was received by the state executive council, led by the party’s chairman, Moses Adeyemo, yesterday in Ibadan.

Adeyemo, who praised Alli’s loyalty, dedication and consistent contributions toward strengthening party structures statewide, said that the bus would improve logistics, mobility, and coordination for party activities, while the financial support is expected to boost administrative efficiency and operational capacity ahead of critical engagements statewide efforts.

Also, the party’s Secretary, Fatai Adesina, commended the senator for his consistent commitment, unwavering support and remarkable dedication to party’s growth, describing his efforts as exemplary and worthy of emulation by others.

The State Women Leader, Mrs Felicia Opatunde, urged the senator to remain gender sensitive in all engagements, stressing the need to prioritise women’s inclusion, empowerment and active participation in party programmes.

Similarly, the State Youth Leader, Glory Olalekan, advocated greater youth participation, urging the senator to ensure inclusiveness, create opportunities and give young people a stronger voice in decision-making processes.

Earlier, Alli restated his commitment to unity, saying that strong party structures are vital for good governance, aligning his gesture with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.