Sharafadeen Alli on Thursday formally received the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, nomination form as the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the 2027 general election in Oyo State.

At the event, the senator also unveiled Michael Adedeji as his running mate for the election.

Adedeji, 46, is an Economics graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and hails from Iwo-Ate in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Oyo State APC Chairman and former deputy governor, Moses Alake Adeyemo, called on party members to remain united and work collectively toward reclaiming power in the 2027 governorship election.

Adeyemo stressed that the APC stood a better chance of advancing the state’s development while in government and appealed to aggrieved members to put aside their differences in the interest of the party.

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

Presenting the INEC nomination form to Alli, the APC Deputy National Auditor, Gbenga Olayemi, described the governorship candidate as a symbol of the party’s collective aspiration rather than an individual contestant.

“You will recall that I presented the nomination forms to National Assembly candidates on Monday. Senator Alli is not just our governorship candidate; he is our flag bearer. Every APC member in Oyo State is a governorship candidate,” Olayemi stated.

In his acceptance speech, Alli described his emergence as the APC candidate as a shared victory for all members of the party and pledged to govern with fairness, accountability and inclusiveness if elected.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, party leaders in Oyo State, security agencies and party faithful for their support throughout the primary process.

The senator also acknowledged the contributions of other aspirants and appealed to them and their supporters to rally behind the APC ahead of the governorship poll.

According to him, the mission of reclaiming Oyo State requires unity, sacrifice and collective commitment from all party members.

“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,” Alli said.

He outlined plans to prioritise agriculture, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, environmental protection and inclusive economic growth if elected governor.

Alli further pledged to align his administration with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through policies anchored on justice, fairness, accountability and service delivery.

“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.

In his remarks, Adedeji thanked the APC leadership for the confidence reposed in him and expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.

The event was attended by members of the APC State Working Committee led by Adeyemo, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates, party leaders and stakeholders, including Ayo Adeseun, Hosea Agboola, Femi Lanlehin, Fatai Ibikunle, Timothy Jolaoso and Olayide Abbas, among others.