The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, has pledged to run an inclusive government if elected governor of Oyo State in 2027, while asserting that he enjoys the backing of a majority of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alli made this known on Friday during his declaration of interest rally held in Ibadan, which drew party leaders, elected officials, and supporters from across the state.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker said his administration would prioritise inclusiveness across all segments of the society, including youths, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“I want to assure everybody that the government we are going to run, by the grace of God, will be all-inclusive. We are going to carry everybody along — the elderly, youths, women, and persons with disabilities.
“Certainly, we are going to run a government that will make this state better than it is today,” he said.
The APC chieftain also used the occasion to project confidence in his candidacy, describing himself as the most suitable among the aspirants seeking the party’s governorship ticket.
“Our party has been out of office in the last eight years, and the people of Oyo State are yearning for positive change. I see myself as capable of steering the affairs of this state and taking it to the next level.
“Like other aspirants, they are qualified, but out of two good options, one will be better. I believe I am better for the job,” the senator said.
On internal party dynamics, Alli dismissed insinuations of disunity within the APC, insisting that he has the support of a large proportion of key stakeholders.
“They are all behind me. You may not see some of them here for one reason or another, but you can see the calibre of people present.
“More than 80 per cent of the party stakeholders are here. Out of the three senators in the National Assembly, two are here, while the third, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, communicated his absence.
“Look at the number of House of Representatives members present. All four members of the State House of Assembly are here, as well as the former deputy governors, members of the APC state working committee, and all the 33 local government chairmen of our party.
“From the speeches delivered, it is clear this is the choice of the party,” Alli said.
Addressing calls for the governorship seat to be zoned to Oke Ogun, the senator expressed support for the principle while maintaining that all qualified aspirants should be allowed to contest.
“I wholeheartedly support it. I believe everybody in Oyo State is entitled to be voted for, as long as they meet the requirements,” he added.
Alli, a lawyer and seasoned politician, has held key leadership roles in Oyo State, making him a prominent contender in the build-up to the 2027 governorship election.
Present at the official declaration included Barrister Iyiola Oladokun, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Hon Yemi Aderibigbe, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Hon Adeyemi Skimeh, Hon Remi Oseni, Hon Tolulope Shadipe and several others.
Credit: newspeakonline.com
