The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, on Monday commenced moves to reunite the party following its governorship primary, assuring members that all grievances arising from the exercise would soon be resolved.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, said the party had already activated reconciliation mechanisms to restore unity and strengthen its chances ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He spoke during a media briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan, attended by his running mate, Mr. Adesoji Adedeji; the Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo; and other party leaders.
The APC governorship primary was contested by 11 aspirants, with some of the contestants expressing reservations over the outcome of the exercise.
Addressing journalists, Alli described the post-primary disagreements as a normal feature of democratic politics, particularly in a party with many credible and qualified aspirants.
He disclosed that the party had constituted a reconciliation committee to engage aggrieved aspirants and their supporters, while he had also embarked on personal consultations aimed at rebuilding confidence within the party.
According to him, the collective interest of the APC must take precedence over individual ambitions.
He said, “It is not unusual to have aggrieved aspirants after a keenly contested primary. We had 11 accomplished and competent individuals seeking one ticket. Naturally, only one person could emerge.
“Every aspirant who participated in the primary was qualified to govern Oyo State. The process has produced a candidate, and as loyal party members, our responsibility now is to come together for the bigger task ahead.”
Alli expressed confidence that the misunderstandings would soon be resolved, saying discussions with key stakeholders had already begun.
“I want to assure our members that every grievance arising from the primary will be addressed. The party has put a reconciliation committee in place, and I have personally been meeting with those involved. Earlier today, I met with one of the G6 members as part of our ongoing consultations.
“Our focus is not on the primary anymore; it is on how to unite the APC and position it for victory in 2027. We cannot afford to be divided when the people of Oyo State are looking up to us for credible leadership.”
The senator urged party members to close ranks and work together, insisting that unity, discipline and collective commitment would determine the party’s success in the next governorship election.
He added that the APC remained the most formidable political platform in the state and expressed optimism that the reconciliation process would further strengthen the party’s resolve to reclaim power in 2027.