The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled Senator Sharafadeen Alli as its candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, with Adesoji Adedeji announced as his running mate.

The unveiling ceremony took place in Ibadan on Thursday and attracted party leaders, stakeholders, executives, and supporters from across Oyo State. However, the announcement has sparked fresh debate within the party, as supporters of former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, insist that only the APC national leadership can officially confirm the party’s candidate.

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Despite the public unveiling of Alli and his running mate, the Adelabu camp has maintained that no final decision has been communicated by the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

Speaking on the development, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the party’s national leadership had earlier urged members to remain patient pending an official announcement.

According to him, any declaration made outside the authority of the APC national leadership should be regarded as premature.

Awogboro argued that while internal consultations and party processes may be ongoing, no aspirant should be recognised as the APC’s governorship candidate until the National Working Committee formally ratifies and announces the outcome.

He reiterated that his principal respects the supremacy of the party and remains committed to abiding by its final decision.

Awogboro also urged the APC leadership to make the outcome of its primary process public, saying such a move would strengthen confidence among party members and demonstrate commitment to fairness and transparency.

He stressed that following due process remains essential to preserving unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to reports of a purported list of candidates cleared for national and state legislative elections, Awogboro questioned the authenticity of the document.

He maintained that Oyo State should not be treated differently from other states, insisting that all aspirants deserve equal treatment under the party’s established procedures.

According to him, any process perceived as favouring a particular group or individual could undermine internal democracy and create avoidable divisions within the APC.

Awogboro further cautioned against reconciliation efforts that ignore concerns over fairness, arguing that lasting unity can only be achieved when justice and due process are upheld from the beginning.

He also alleged that some individuals within the party structure had aligned themselves with specific interests, describing such developments as detrimental to the credibility of the selection process.

Addressing questions about Adelabu’s position amid the ongoing controversy, Awogboro said the former minister remained calm and was awaiting the official pronouncement of the APC National Working Committee.

He added that nothing had changed regarding Adelabu’s stance, expressing confidence that the party leadership would eventually conclude the process in accordance with its constitution and established guidelines.

The differing positions over the Oyo governorship ticket underscore continuing internal consultations within the APC as the party prepares for the 2027 elections, with members awaiting a definitive statement from the national leadership on the outcome of the governorship selection process.