2027: Aggrieved Oyo APC gov aspirants reconcile, back Alli, Tinubu

Four prominent governorship aspirants within Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have publicly reconciled with the party's chosen candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli. This move signals a significant step towards party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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We listened to their concerns and disappointments and, importantly, found that we have far more that unites us than divides us.

The reconciliation, announced by the chairman of the APC Governorship Aspirants’ Reconciliation Committee, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, follows a series of meetings aimed at addressing disagreements stemming from the party's primary. Lanlehin stated that despite some aspirants' reservations about the primary process, the collective need to build a stronger party for the upcoming elections necessitated the resolution.

"We listened to their concerns and disappointments and, importantly, found that we have far more that unites us than divides us," Lanlehin said at a press conference. "Today, we are pleased to announce that four distinguished governorship aspirants have agreed to put the contest behind them and work with Senator Sharafadeen Alli in the interest of the party and our victory in the 2027 General Election."

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Today, we are pleased to announce that four distinguished governorship aspirants have agreed to put the contest behind them and work with Senator Sharafadeen Alli in the interest of the party and our victory in the 2027 General Election.

The four aspirants, former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, Oyedele Alao, Musbau Asanike, and Dr Ololade Bakare, issued a communique pledging their "unwavering and unflinching support" for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Alli, and all other APC candidates in 2027. They committed to cooperating with party structures to ensure electoral victory, emphasizing that unity is crucial for winning the governorship election.

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The party could only win the 2027 governorship election through unity.

The reconciliation committee confirmed that the process has concluded for most aspirants, with only Barrister Akeem Agbaje not yet part of the agreement. The aspirants also expressed a desire to meet with President Tinubu to reaffirm their support for his potential 2027 presidential bid.

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No candidate can win a general election by relying only on those who supported him in the primary. A governorship election is won by a united political family.