Politics
2027: Alli declares Oyo guber bid, promises inclusive governance
Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli on Friday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, pledging to run a people-driven administration anchored on inclusive development, security and economic growth.
Alli made the declaration at the Yemetu Police Barracks in Ibadan, where political leaders, party faithful, traditional stakeholders and supporters gathered in large numbers.
In his address, the lawmaker said his decision followed wide consultations with party leaders, traditional rulers and residents across the geopolitical zones of the state.
He described the moment as “a turning point” and “a declaration of purpose,” noting that his ambition was driven by service rather than personal gain.
“This is not about ambition alone. It is about responsibility, service, and the future and prosperity of the good people of Oyo State,” he said.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, highlighted his experience in public service, including his tenure as the first democratically elected chairman of Ibadan North Local Government in 1991, as well as his roles as Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff in previous administrations.
According to him, the experiences shaped his governance philosophy, which prioritises impact, accountability and grassroots development.
The senator said although Oyo State is endowed with rich history, culture and human capital, it requires renewed leadership to unlock its full potential.
He said his administration would focus on key sectors such as education, security, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
On education, Alli expressed concern over declining standards and pledged reforms to reposition the sector for innovation and sustainable development.
“We must plan not just for today, but for generations yet unborn,” he said.
Speaking on security, he assured residents that safety would be prioritised, noting that development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.
He added that his administration would expand healthcare access, while infrastructure development would focus on bridging the gap between rural and urban communities.
The lawmaker also pledged to boost economic activities by empowering traders, artisans and small business owners, whom he described as the backbone of the state’s economy.
He further promised to create opportunities for youths through entrepreneurship and digital transformation initiatives.
“We will refocus development to the grassroots and ensure that local governments function effectively with real autonomy,” he added.
Alli also outlined plans to revitalise agriculture through modern farming techniques and improved market access.
On governance, he pledged transparency, accountability and merit-based civil service reforms, assuring workers and pensioners of improved welfare and prompt payment of entitlements.
He emphasised gender inclusion, noting that women would play key roles in his administration, while traditional rulers and community leaders would be actively engaged.
Reflecting on past leadership in the state, Alli paid tribute to former governors and political figures, saying his administration would build on their legacies.
“I offer myself to you not as a master, but as a servant, tested, prepared, and ready to serve,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event included a former Deputy Governor of the state, Iyiola Oladokun; a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni; Senator Yinus Akintunde; and Senator Ayoade Adeseun, among others.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
-
News6 days agoEid: Oseni Calls for Vigilance, Lauds Security Operatives
-
News1 week agoEid-El-Kabir: JTF warns of Boko Haram, ISWAP attacks
-
Politics4 days agoAlli, Folarin, Adedeji, Oseni, Dare Named to APC Ekiti Re-election Campaign Team
-
News7 days agoOyo Abduction: SWEGOP Demands Swift Rescue of Pupils, Teachers
