2027 Oyo Guber Race Heats Up as Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli Declares Ambition
The race for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State gathered fresh momentum on Friday as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli formally declared his intention to contest for the state’s top seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The declaration, which took place at the Police Field in Yemetu, Ibadan, drew a large crowd of party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters, signaling an early and strategic move in what is expected to be a keenly contested political season.
Observers noted that the timing of the announcement positions Alli as one of the early contenders in the race for the Agodi Government House, potentially giving him an advantage in consolidating support across different political blocs in the state.
The event witnessed the presence of several high-profile APC figures, including Senator Yunus Akintunde and members of the House of Representatives such as Akin Alabi, Aderemi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, and Tajudeen Abisodun.
Also in attendance were notable party stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, alongside other influential figures within the APC structure in Oyo State.
Addressing the gathering, Alli stated that his decision to run followed extensive consultations with party leaders, traditional rulers, and residents across the state, describing his ambition as a response to a collective call to serve.
He declared that his aspiration was not driven by personal interest but by a commitment to the development and welfare of the people of Oyo State, emphasizing the need for responsible and inclusive governance.
“I stand before you to declare boldly my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Oyo State in 2027,” Alli announced, drawing applause from supporters at the venue.
The senator highlighted his experience in public service, referencing his tenure as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, his roles as Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff under former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as well as his current position representing Oyo South in the National Assembly.
According to him, these experiences have equipped him with the administrative knowledge and leadership capacity required to govern Oyo State effectively.
Outlining his policy direction, Alli identified key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, agriculture, and economic empowerment as central to his development agenda.
He also pledged to prioritize transparency and accountability in governance, while promoting grassroots development and ensuring that governance reaches all parts of the state.
Special emphasis was placed on youth engagement and women inclusion, with the senator promising reforms in the civil service and initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities.
Describing Oyo State as richly endowed yet underutilized, Alli stressed the need for visionary leadership to unlock its full potential and drive sustainable growth.
He paid tribute to past leaders of the state, including Lam Adesina, Adebayo Alao-Akala, and Abiola Ajimobi, acknowledging their contributions to the state’s political and infrastructural development.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Alli expressed support for the policies and reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aligning his vision with the broader progressive ideals of the party.
Political analysts suggest that Alli’s entry into the race could reshape internal dynamics within the APC in Oyo State, particularly within Ibadan, where his influence and longstanding political relationships are expected to play a significant role.
With this formal declaration, the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State appears to have officially begun, setting the stage for heightened political activities, negotiations, and alignments in the months ahead.