The All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Oyo State has emerged as one of the most closely watched intra-party contests ahead of the 2027 elections, with early ward-level reports indicating strong momentum for Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli in several parts of the state.
Reports from Oyo town and other voting centres monitored on Thursday suggested that Alli recorded significant support among party members during the direct primary exercise, while former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also maintained pockets of support in some local government areas.
In some wards in Egbeda, results reportedly reflected a split outcome between the two leading aspirants, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest and the divisions within the party structure.
The APC had earlier faced internal disagreements over attempts by some stakeholders to promote a consensus arrangement in favour of Alli, a move that drew opposition from Adelabu and his supporters, who insisted on direct primaries.
Before the primary, several APC leaders and stakeholders were reported to have openly endorsed Alli as a preferred consensus candidate, while Adelabu repeatedly rejected claims that any endorsement had the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The direct primary was eventually adopted by the party amid wider internal concerns over imposition and party unity ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
As collation of results from all 33 local government areas continues, political observers say the outcome of the APC primary could significantly shape the opposition’s strategy against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2027 governorship election
