By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Senator representing Oyo North at the National Assembly, Sharafadeen Alli has justified his intentions to contest for the governorship seat of the state, saying he is on a mission to build an Oyo state that is prosperous, secure and inclusive -where no one is left behind.
Nothing that his plan is not about ambition alone, it is about responsibility, service, the future and prosperity of the good people of the state, adding that Oyo State deserves leadership that measures itself not by the grandeur of offices, but by the dignity of its poorest citizen.
Alli spoke on Friday in a remark during his official declaration to contest the governorship seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event which held at the football pitch of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Yemetu, Ibadan North local government area had in attendance hundreds of party faithful from the 33 local government areas in attendance.
The dignitaries in attendance include past and serving members of the Upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly, the former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Senator Fatai Ibikunle and host of others.
However, the former Senate leader, Teslim Folarin, wife of the former governor, Ambassador-designate Florence Ajimobi, Senator Fatai Buhari and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu were absent at the event.
The governorship candidate of the APC, Ogun state, Senator Adeola Yayi and Senator Yunus Akintunde were represented by their wives.
Addressing the supporters, Alli framed his decision to contest for governor in 2027 as a “moment of reckoning” driven by wide consultations with leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens. He stressed that the move is about responsibility to the future and prosperity of Oyo people, anchored in gratitude and resolve.
He leaned on a record of public service to show readiness, recounting his time as the first elected chairman of Ibadan North LGA in 1991 where he brought governance closer to the people through stronger institutions and infrastructure.
He added that, as Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff to Governor Rashidi Ladoja, he emphasized implementation and coordination that made policies felt by ordinary citizens. Now as Senator for Oyo South, he pointed to legislation and interventions as proof he is “tested, accountable, and prepared.”
Alli described Oyo as blessed with history, culture, fertile land, and resilient people, yet in need of more. Quoting Mandela and Lincoln, he argued that government must return to the people and be measured by how it treats its weakest members.
The policy pillars he laid out cover education, security, healthcare, infrastructure, economic empowerment, local government, agriculture, digital transformation, and civil service reform.
He pledged to make schools hubs of innovation, ensure farmers and mothers can work and sleep without fear, and turn general hospitals into places of healing.
He promised roads that connect markets, rural electrification, support for traders and artisans, and a return to agriculture as a profitable pillar, adding that local governments would be empowered, civil servants honored with timely pay and training, and youths positioned as “the strength of today.”
He closed with a pledge of integrity, compassion, and accessibility, honoring past governors from Lam Adesina to Abiola Ajimobi while saying it is time to build “better, stronger, and more inclusive.”
He committed to a party-driven administration, thanked APC leaders including President Tinubu, and called on market women, farmers, students, and workers to join in reclaiming Oyo’s status as the Pacesetter State.
The governorship aspirant said, if given the mandate of the party, he would right the wrongs of the eight years misrule of the PDP in the state.
Alli said, “After due consultations with the leadership and membership of the party, I am presenting myself to you as the governorship aspirant of our party. In order to achieve my lofty ambition, I will need the support of the members from the unit to the state levels.
“The education and other sectors of the economy in the state need serious attention. This will be the main focus of my administration if avail the opportunity to fly the flag of the party as well subsequently win the governorship election in 2027′
“Today, I give you my word: I will lead with Integrity, so you can trust your government again. I will govern with compassion, so you know you are heard. I will place the people above politics. I will remain your Sharafadeen—accessible, accountable and anchored in service.
“I offer myself to you today, not as a master, but as a servant. Not as a stranger, but as one of you. Tested. Prepared. Ready.
“As I stand before all our people today especially our party leaders including men and women and our youths who have remained unshaken in our collective resolve to rescue the State, I am assuring you all that your labour of love for our collective aspirations will not go unrewarded.
“Our administration will be party-driven and everyone will have a say in the day to day running of our government. Together, we will build a state where other states would copy and see as a benchmark for quality leadership and egalitarian values of what real democracy should be to the people.”
In their various remarks, the party leaders including serving federal lawmakers stressed the need for the members of the party to close ranks at ensuring the success of the party at all levels of the elections in 2027.
They said the only way to exit the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Oyo state in 2027 is to form a formidable team.
“The people of Oyo state are desirous of change. The only alternative is the All Progressives Congress, (APC). We must start the campaign at our various units. We must close ranks. We must go to the 2027 general elections as a formidable.
“All the party’s candidates have all that it takes to deliver on the mandate of the party.”
