Disgruntled Oyo APC Governorship Hopefuls Bury Hatchet in 2027, Throw Weight Behind Alli and Tinubu

A breakthrough was achieved on Sunday as four All Progressives Congress governorship aspirants in Oyo State reconciled with the party's candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and committed to supporting the party's success in the 2027 general elections.

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The aspirants who made amends with Alli are Rauf Olaniyan, the former Deputy Governor of the state, as well as Oyedele Alao, Musbau Asanike, and Dr Ololade Bakare.

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The reconciliation was made possible by the APC Governorship Aspirants' Reconciliation Committee, which had been engaging in a series of meetings to address the grievances stemming from the party's governorship primary.

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Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, the chairman of the committee, disclosed the development at a press conference held on Sunday at a Blueline Hotel in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

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Lanlehin noted that despite some aspirants having reservations about the primary process and its outcome, the need to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 election had made reconciliation a necessity, as he emphasized that the committee had listened to their concerns and found common ground.

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According to Lanlehin, the aspirants have now put their differences aside and agreed to work with Senator Sharafadeen Alli for the benefit of the party and its victory in the 2027 General Election, marking a significant milestone.

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Lanlehin characterized the development as a triumph of collective interest over individual ambition and unity over factionalism, stressing that a united front is essential for winning the 2027 governorship election.

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He pointed out that no candidate can rely solely on their primary supporters to win a general election, emphasizing the importance of a united party in achieving success.

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In a communique issued after the reconciliation meetings, the aspirants pledged their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, Alli, and all other APC candidates in the 2027 elections, as well as their cooperation with the party's campaign structures.

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The committee announced that the reconciliation process with the APC "G6" governorship aspirants had been concluded, with the exception of Barrister Akeem Agbaje, who was not part of the agreement.

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The aspirants expressed their desire to meet with President Tinubu at his convenience to reaffirm their support for his 2027 presidential bid, demonstrating their commitment to the party's success.