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As OYO APC Governorship Candidate
Oyo State politics is at the centre of political discussion right now, as many political analysts have failed in their predictions and analyses of the state’s politics. There is a set of people within the political system who have not understood where and who will get the ticket to run for the gubernatorial election for both the All Progressives Congress and Governor Seyi Makinde’s anointed candidate. The rumour of Minister Adebayo Adelabu vying for the post under the APC has now been put to rest, after he denied his resignation.
Let us tell you what City People Magazine has found out! About a week ago, when the Senator representing Oyo State Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli’s name was mentioned in the media regarding a run for the state gubernatorial election, the majority of people were not convinced about the story. One of the top APC chieftains, who is also very close to the seat of power, told us factually that Senator Alli who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on electoral matters, will likely emerge as the flag bearer for the APC gubernatorial election in Oyo State ahead of Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who has long been tipped for the role. He told us that the current Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and Senator Alli have a father-son relationship. “Olubadan has taken Senator Alli to meet President Tinubu in Aso Rock, and the president has accepted him.” He also said that President Tinubu rarely turns down Olubadan because they both share a lot of memories from the past. They may not have been in the same party, but they are good friends.
We also learnt that the minister does not currently enjoy the popularity that could enable him to win the Oyo governorship election against the candidate of the incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde. It was gathered that one of the conclusions regarding Adelabu’s lack of popularity in the state was the House of Representatives by-election facilitated by the minister, which was lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, Fola Oyekunle. It was also revealed that another meeting was held with the President, during which it was noted that the Oyo State chapter of the party was divided over the choice of the minister, as he does not have a good relationship with party leaders and members in the state. It was also gathered that the only candidate who would be acceptable to all factions in the party was Alli. “Adelabu does not have the popularity to win the governorship against Governor Seyi Makinde’s anointed candidate,” a source said, citing his candidate’s loss in the House of Representatives by-election that he facilitated. “The state chapter of the party is divided over his candidacy, and Alli is seen as the only aspirant acceptable to all factions,” the source added. Adelabu ran on the Accord platform for the 2023 governorship election in the state against Teslim Folarin of the APC.
Earlier in 2019, his choice and endorsement by the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi polarised the party, leading to the defections of major chieftains of the party at the time. Adelabu eventually lost the election to Makinde. In the March 18, 2023, election, Adelabu came a distant third, polling 38,357 votes, again trailing far behind Makinde, who won with over 563,000 votes. The minister had left the party after he lost the ticket to Folarin at a primary held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. The source also stated that the minister had been advised against resigning from the cabinet as his chances are not bright, hence the decision.
When asked why Adelabu has not resigned to pursue his governorship ambition, one of the sources present at the meeting stated that none of the ministers and other appointees eyeing positions had been able to secure a buy-in from the President. He said, “He cannot just resign like that without an assurance that he will be the consensus candidate of the party. He knows his position is not certain. Once he resigns, the President will appoint a replacement, and he may not have the chance to return to the cabinet. “It is better for him to clear his chances first before jumping the gun. He won’t have a second chance at a ministerial appointment, at least for now. “The power crisis in the country is not in his favour, and once he leaves and a replacement can solve some of the problems, Adelabu may not return.”
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, and Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadanland, share a strong bond built over time. Kabiesi is supporting his candidature because he trusts him and believes he can deliver. Senator Alli served as Secretary to the State Government under Governor Ladoja and later became Chief of Staff in 2005. Years have passed, but the loyalty and mutual respect remain evident. Today, he is steadily walking in the footsteps of his mentor, Ìba Rashidi Ladoja. Now serving as a senator, just as Baba Ladoja once did, he continues to build his journey in public service. With discipline, loyalty, and vision, he appears committed to emulating the path of his mentor, aspiring to greater responsibilities in leadership, just as Ladoja rose from senator to governor and now Olubadan of Ibadanland. Beyond the men, their wives also play important roles in Ibadan’s traditional institution; Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja is the Maye Iyalode of Ibadanland, while Alhaja Táwakalitu Sharafadeen Alli holds the title of Aregbe ÌmÍ Iyalode within the Iyalode-in-Council. Their positions reflect not only political advancement but a shared family legacy and deep commitment to Ibadan’s cultural and traditional heritage.
Between December 1991 and November 1993, Alli became the first elected Executive Chairman of the most populous council in Oyo State, the Ibadan North Local Government. In 1996, at age 33, he was elected to represent Oyo South Senatorial District under the now-defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), though he was unable to be sworn in due to Military intervention. From September to November 1999, Alli served as the Oyo State Secretary and Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In 2003, he was appointed as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under Governor Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State, and in 2005, he became the Chief of Staff to the State Government. In 2011, Alli was appointed Chairman of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited. During his tenure, the company achieved several milestones, including the construction of Heritage Mall and Cocoa Mall in Ibadan. In 2015, he ran for deputy governor as a Labour Party candidate, partnering with the late Otunba Alao Akala as the gubernatorial candidate.
In 2023, Alli contested and won the Oyo South Senatorial District Election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), receiving 111,513 votes.He also served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs Excise and Tariff.. Presently, Alli is the Chairman Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
In 2024, Alli was inaugurated as a member of the 6th Legislature of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament in Abuja by Nigerian President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Isaac Abimbade
