Oyo APC Crisis: Folarin Makes U-Turn, Endorses Alli Ahead Of 2027 Election

Former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin has reconciled with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, and pledged to support his bid for the state’s governorship in the 2027 general election.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Folarin publicly endorsed Alli on Monday in Ibadan, raising his hand before a crowd of party supporters who gathered to welcome him home. His endorsement followed an earlier disagreement over the outcome of the APC governorship primary.

Folarin’s camp had previously alleged that the primary that produced Alli was marred by irregularities and called for a fresh exercise. However, the former senator has now urged party members to put their differences aside and work towards the success of all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

His change of position followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly urged him to support both Alli’s governorship ambition and the President’s re-election bid.

Tinubu also met with another aggrieved aspirant, Abdulfatai Buhari, the senator representing Oyo North, at the Aso Rock Villa over the weekend, where he appealed for unity within the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

Addressing his supporters, Folarin acknowledged the frustration of members who felt dissatisfied with the primary’s outcome, noting that some had invested years in pursuing their political ambitions.

“I have invested 26 years of my life in becoming governor. If I feel cheated, am I not expected to be angry? The aggrieved members deserved to be heard and appealed to,” he said.

Despite recognising their grievances, Folarin urged the affected members to move forward and rally behind Alli and other APC candidates, beginning immediately.

The former Senate Leader also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s reconciliation committee, led by Professor Taoheed Adedoja and Senator Femi Lanlehin, claiming that it had achieved only about 20 per cent of its assignment.

He attributed the slow progress to unresolved grievances among party members but maintained that the approaching elections made reconciliation and cooperation increasingly urgent.

As part of efforts to resolve the internal crisis, Folarin disclosed that he had held a meeting at Iyaganku in Ibadan with former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Buhari and former Oyo State Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan.

Folarin further explained that Tinubu’s appointment of him as Coordinator of the Oyo State Presidential Campaign Council meant he had a responsibility to work towards the success of all APC candidates across the state.

He challenged party members to secure more votes for Tinubu in Oyo State than the party recorded during the 2023 presidential election. He also urged them to ensure that APC candidates contesting governorship and legislative positions emerge victorious in 2027.

The former senator called for a review of the party’s reward system, arguing that members who contribute to its electoral success should be recognised and not abandoned after elections.

He also charged Alli to work closely with party leaders to accommodate dissatisfied members and ensure that the reconciliation process does not sideline experienced politicians.

“We won’t allow Alli to rest until all aggrieved members get their own benefits,” Folarin declared.

He urged party leaders and supporters to communicate the party’s reconciliation efforts to members across the state, stressing the need to resolve lingering disagreements before the elections.

Folarin’s endorsement marks a significant step towards easing tensions within the Oyo APC, as the party seeks to unite its members behind its candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.