Senator Sarafa Alli defeats Adelabu, Buhari in Oyo APC primary

Sarafa Alli has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State after recording a landslide victory in the party’s gubernatorial primary election.

The primary election results showed that Senator Alli secured a commanding 578,143 votes to defeat other contenders in the keenly contested race for the party’s 2027 governorship ticket.

His closest rival, AbdulFatai Buhari, popularly known as Senator Buhari, polled 37,265 votes, while former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, garnered 19,193 votes.

The outcome of the primary election further strengthens Alli’s position within the APC structure in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, where the party is expected to mount a strong challenge against the ruling administration in the state.

Party officials described the exercise as peaceful and transparent, with delegates and party members participating across designated voting centres.

Supporters of Senator Alli erupted in celebration shortly after the announcement of the results, praising his long-standing political experience, grassroots connections, and contributions to the party in Oyo State.

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Political observers believe the overwhelming margin of victory reflects Alli’s growing influence within the APC and the level of support he enjoys among party stakeholders ahead of the general election.

The victory also marks a significant moment in the political contest within the Oyo APC, as high-profile figures, including Adelabu and Senator Buhari, had mounted strong campaigns for the ticket.

Alli is expected to begin consultations and reconciliation efforts within the party aimed at uniting supporters of other aspirants ahead of the governorship campaign.

The APC candidate is also expected to unveil his agenda for Oyo State in the coming weeks as preparations intensify for the 2027 election cycle.