A Senator, representing Oyo South, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli on Friday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, promising a people-driven administration pronged on inclusive development, security, and economic growth.

Senator Alli made this declaration on Friday, April 17, at Yemetu Police Barracks Playing Ground in Ibadan, drawing a large crowd of political leaders, party faithful, traditional stakeholders, and supporters from across the state.

Among the dignitaries that attended the event were: Oloye Adebayo Adelabu (Minister of Power), Former First Lady and an Ambassador-Designate, Florence Ajimobi; Senator Teslim Folarin; Senator representing Oyo Central, Dr Yunus Akintunde; members of House Representeivss including: Akin Alabi (Egbeda/ Ona Ara), Aderemi Oseni (Ido/ Ibarapa East), Akeem Adeyemi (AFIJIO/ Atiba/ Oyo East/ Oyo West), Olafisoye Akinmoyede (Akinyele/ Lagelu), Tajudeen Abisodun (Saki East/ Saki West/ ATISBO), Senator Hamzat Adeseun, former Deputy Governor of the state, Iyiola Oladokun, and Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe among many others across the state.

In his address, Senator Alli said his decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens across all geopolitical zones of the state, describing the moment as “a turning point” and “a declaration of purpose”.

Stressing that his ambition was rooted in service rather than personal gain, Alli said: “It is about responsibility, service, and the future and prosperity of the good people of Oyo State”.

As the first democratically elected chairman of Ibadan North Local Government in 1991, as well as bringing Secretary to the State Government, and Chief of Staff in previous administrations, and Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Alli said the experiences shaped his governance philosophy, which he said prioritises impact, accountability, and grassroots development.

He painted a picture of an Oyo State rich in history, culture, and human capital but in need of renewed leadership to unlock its full potential. He emphasised that his administration would focus on key sectors, including education, security, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and economic empowerment.

Speaking on governance, he promised transparency, accountability, and merit-based civil service reforms, assuring workers and pensioners of improved welfare and prompt payment of salaries and entitlements.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to gender inclusion, noting that women would play a central role in his administration, while traditional rulers and community leaders would be actively engaged in governance.

Reflecting on past leaders of the state, Alli paid tribute to former governors and political figures who contributed to Oyo’s development, stating that his goal would be to build on their legacies rather than dismantle them.

He therefore called on residents to see his ambition as a collective journey, urging unity and shared responsibility in shaping the future of the state.

“I offer myself to you not as a master, but as a servant, tested, prepared, and ready to serve,” he said.