The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a divided stance on the process for selecting its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, as party leaders endorse Senator Sharafadeen Alli for a consensus arrangement while the aspirant insists on an open primary.
Party stakeholders on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for Alli as the preferred governorship candidate during a meeting held at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
The endorsement, according to party leaders, was part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening unity within the party and improving its chances in the next general election.
However, Alli, who is also a serving senator, distanced himself from any attempt to foreclose internal competition, stating that he remains open to a full primary election if the party decides to adopt that method of candidate selection.
He said internal democracy must be upheld, adding that he would not resist any decision by the party leadership to subject aspirants to a competitive primary process.
The meeting also featured contributions from other party stakeholders, including Hon. Remi Oseni, who emphasized the importance of cohesion within the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
A party chieftain, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, also addressed the gathering, recalling earlier tensions within the party over claims regarding endorsement processes and alleged misinformation about the position of national leaders.
The development highlights ongoing political realignments within the Oyo APC as aspirants intensify consultations and preparations ahead of the governorship race.
With divisions emerging over zoning, consensus arrangements, and internal democracy, the party is expected to continue negotiations in the coming months to reach a unified position ahead of the primaries.