Following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination processes for the 2027 general elections in Oyo State, I have taken time to reflect and consult with party leaders, stakeholders, supporters and loyalists on the way forward.
I begin by expressing my profound gratitude to the thousands of party members, leaders, stakeholders and supporters across Oyo Central who stood with me throughout the Oyo Central Senatorial primary election. Your prayers, sacrifices, resources, time and commitment remain deeply appreciated.
Throughout the primary election period, I deliberately maintained a neutral position in the gubernatorial primary. Although the various gubernatorial aspirants were people with whom I shared friendship and mutual respect, I chose not to support any of them. My focus was solely on the Oyo Central Senatorial primary and on earning the confidence of our people.
I make this clear because my position today is not the product of any political arrangement arising from the gubernatorial contest. I remained neutral throughout that process.
On Wednesday, 26 August 2026, I met with the party’s reconciliation committee and clearly communicated my position. I expressed my commitment to the APC while also drawing attention to the concerns arising from the Oyo Central Senatorial primary.
I recognise that many who supported me feel that the outcome of the primary did not adequately reflect their choices. They invested their time, resources, energy and political capital because they believed in the democratic process. Their disappointment is real, and I share in it.
However, I believe that being a party man requires both loyalty and honesty.
I AM A PARTY MAN
I believe in the APC and its future. I am not leaving the party, I do not support defection or anti-party activity, and I will not encourage my supporters or associates to undermine the party or its candidates.
But loyalty does not require silence in the face of genuine concerns. True reconciliation must go beyond asking aggrieved members to simply concede and move on. It must involve listening, acknowledgement, restitution, healing and rebuilding.
By restitution, I do not necessarily mean reversing every outcome. I mean taking meaningful steps to acknowledge legitimate grievances, repair damaged relationships, restore confidence and reassure our members that their sacrifices and contributions matter.
Our grassroots members are the foundation of our party. Their trust and confidence will be essential to the APC’s success in 2027.
I therefore appeal to everyone who stood with me to remain calm, peaceful and disciplined. Do not allow disappointment to become hatred, disagreement to become division, or a difficult political experience to destroy the political family we have built.
I sincerely congratulate Senator Sharafadeen Alli Ph.D on his emergence as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate. Our relationship goes beyond politics and political contests. We have shared a bond that has endured across different circumstances, and it is no secret that many affectionately refer to us as “twin brothers.”
As the candidate of our party, I appeal to him to use this opportunity to build bridges, close the gaps created during the primaries and bring all the other aspirants, their supporters and stakeholders back into the fold. The primary contests are over; the task before us now is to unite the party and focus our collective energy on winning in 2027.
Leadership at this moment requires reaching across divides, extending a hand to those who may feel hurt or excluded, and giving every member a renewed sense of belonging. I believe Senator Sharafadeen has the opportunity to lead that process and bring everyone together.
He has my goodwill as a friend, my prayers and my support as a loyal member of the APC.
My aspiration to represent Oyo Central in the Senate was born out of a genuine desire to serve. Although this particular contest has ended, my commitment to Oyo Central, Oyo State and the service of our people remains unwavering.
The contest may be over, but the work of healing has only begun.
We seek unity, but not at the expense of truth.
We seek reconciliation, but not without restitution.
We seek peace, but not through the silencing of genuine grievances.
I remain a party man.
I remain committed to the APC.
I remain committed to Oyo Central.
And I remain committed to the greater good of Oyo State.
E-Signed
ADEMOLA WASIU ALLI (AWA), Ph.D, FCA
