Oyo 2027: AKK calls for reconciliation, total support for Alli ticket

FORMER governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), on Saturday, appealed to aggrieved members and stakeholders of the party to embrace reconciliation and throw their full weight behind the governorship ticket of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and his running mate, Hon. Adesoji Michael Adedeji, ahead of the 2027 general election.

AKK made the appeal while congratulating Senator Alli on the official presentation of his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form, describing the development as a major milestone that should signal the end of internal divisions within the party.

The former governorship hopeful, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, said the emergence of the governorship candidate and his deputy had provided a clear direction for the APC and demanded the collective commitment of all members, irrespective of previous alignments during the primary process.

According to him, while some aspirants and their supporters may still harbour grievances arising from the contest, the overriding interest of the party and the future of Oyo State should take precedence over individual ambitions.

He noted that having participated in the race himself, he understood the feelings of disappointed aspirants but insisted that the moment called for sacrifice, understanding and a united resolve to secure victory for the APC in 2027.

AKK warned that prolonged internal disagreements could weaken the party’s electoral fortunes, stressing that the people of Oyo State deserved what he described as progressive, people-oriented governance.

He, therefore, urged party leaders, ward executives, grassroots mobilisers and loyalists across the 33 local government areas to commence immediate reconciliation efforts and intensify mobilisation in support of the party’s candidates.

The former aspirant expressed confidence in the capacity, experience and leadership qualities of Senator Alli and Adedeji, saying the duo possessed the requisite credentials to provide purposeful leadership for the state.

He further disclosed that members of his Aseyori Support Group had been directed to begin extensive grassroots engagement across communities in furtherance of the party’s electoral objective.

AKK maintained that the task before members of the APC went beyond winning an election, adding that it involved restoring economic prosperity, strengthening agriculture, encouraging industrial growth and building a better future for residents of the state.

He appealed to every aggrieved member to sheathe the sword and return to the fold, insisting that unity, discipline and collective action remained the surest path to reclaiming the Agodi Government House in 2027.