‘Stop the False Claims’: South-West APC Denies Backing Alli

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West geopolitical zone has debunked reports claiming it has endorsed Barrister Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election.

The party stated that no such decision has been taken.

It described its recent visit to Alli in Ibadan as a routine courtesy call, noting that similar visits had also been paid to other governorship aspirants, including Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Fatai Buhari, and Barrister Agbaje. It added that the same gesture would be extended to other aspirants in the state.

The South-West APC Acting Zonal Chairman and Zonal Organising Secretary, Hon. Lateef Ibirogba, expressed surprise over the reports suggesting that the recent visit to Alli amounted to an endorsement.

“It must be noted that the South-West wing of the party does not have the authority to endorse any aspirant,” Ibirogba said.

Ibirogba questioned why anyone would claim that an endorsement had been made when the party had yet to announce any aspirant as its governorship candidate in Oyo State.

He stressed that the visit was part of the zonal leadership’s efforts to engage all interested stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election.

The acting chairman urged those spreading the rumour to desist from circulating misleading information capable of causing unnecessary tension within the party.

He said such narratives do not reflect the position or actions of the South-West APC leadership.

Ibirogba further clarified that only the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has the authority to announce the party’s candidate for any governorship election. He said that until the national body makes an official announcement, any claim of endorsement remains false and unofficial.

The South-West APC reiterated its commitment to a transparent, credible, and inclusive process ahead of the 2027 election.

He cautioned anyone parading himself as the party’s candidate before the NWC’s official pronouncement to desist in the interest of peace and unity within the party.

“No one should be so desperate as to undermine the long-standing unity of the party,” he said.

The zonal leadership assured all aspirants of equal treatment and called on party members in Oyo State to disregard what it described as “sponsored speculation” and instead focus on strengthening the party ahead of the election.