A leading governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has firmly dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has anointed any candidate for the party’s 2027 gubernatorial ticket.
Speaking on Lagelu FM’s popular Yoruba programme Bosenlo, Alao emphasised that, unlike in APC strongholds such as Lagos and Ogun States—where incumbent governors hold sway—the party remains in opposition in Oyo, currently governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This dynamic, he argued, levels the playing field for all aspirants ahead of the primaries.
“What transpired in Ibadan yesterday, where some elders purportedly endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli, is an exercise in futility,” Alao declared.
“I can state categorically that President Tinubu has not endorsed anyone as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State. We are all proceeding to the primaries. As of yesterday, five aspirants, including myself, have purchased nomination forms.”
“The Electoral Act 2022 stipulates either consensus or direct primaries, and we are preparing for the latter. Whoever emerges victorious will be the party’s standard bearer.”
Alao, a seasoned engineer and philanthropist with a track record in infrastructure development, highlighted his ambitious vision for Oyo State.
He pledged a transformative agenda focusing on education, agriculture, healthcare, and key infrastructure sectors.
“I have lined up comprehensive programmes to revolutionise these areas,” he said.
“From modernising schools and equipping farmers with cutting-edge technology to overhauling healthcare delivery, Oyo will witness unprecedented progress under my leadership.”
The aspirant also called on party members to shun godfatherism and embrace democratic processes, urging unity to reclaim Oyo for the APC in 2027.