2027: APC uploads 13 gov candidates, pledges reconciliation

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Oyo State in the 2027 election, expressed confidence that efforts to reconcile dissident members of the party were bearing fruit. Speaking during an appearance on the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ programme, Alli emphasized that restoring unity within the APC had become a top priority after his selection as the party’s gubernatorial nominee. He noted that consultations with key stakeholders across the state were ongoing, and that President Bola Tinubu had played a direct role in facilitating the process by engaging former APC governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, to help mend rifts among disgruntled members. Alli confirmed that he had convened meetings with various groups, including aspiring candidates and members of the G-6 bloc, to foster cohesion. He described the reconciliation process as a deliberate effort to ensure the APC enters the upcoming election as a unified entity. “We are already resolving the crisis, and I believe the party will emerge stronger and more united,” he said. His remarks underscored the broader significance of party unity, particularly in light of the upcoming 2027 general election, which promises to be a pivotal moment for Nigerian politics. Meanwhile, the APC's national leadership has also taken steps to address internal divisions, notably in Anambra State. On Thursday, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC convened a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja to tackle the leadership crisis affecting the state’s chapter. Chaired by Dr Benjamin Obi Nwoye, the National Deputy Chairman (South) and head of the party’s Fact-Finding and Reconciliation Committee, the session aimed to identify the root causes of the conflict and propose long-term solutions. Nwoye highlighted several contributing factors, including allegations of unfair removal of elected officials, manipulation of primary election results, and the lack of adherence to internal dispute-resolution protocols. He warned that continued factionalism could jeopardize the APC’s prospects in the 2027 elections, emphasizing that internal discord undermines the party’s ability to mobilize voters and deliver effective governance. “Every hour spent on internal hostility is an hour lost in voter engagement,” Nwoye said. He called for genuine reconciliation, stressing that superficial peace would not suffice. The committee’s recommendations, he said, would focus on achieving win-win outcomes that safeguard both individual rights and party discipline. In addition to addressing internal conflicts, the APC has made strides in preparing for the formal nomination of governorship candidates. As of late July, the party had uploaded the details of 13 gubernatorial nominees onto the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, with five more under processing. These candidates include figures such as Dr Obafemi Hamzat of Lagos and Solomon Adeola of Ogun. The APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, assured that the remaining candidates would be finalized before the August 8 deadline set by INEC. However, the upload of state House of Assembly candidates remained pending due to technical difficulties with the INEC platform. Ibrahim reiterated the importance of maintaining party solidarity, urging candidates to align themselves with the APC’s core principles, particularly the Renewed Hope agenda championed by President Tinubu. He acknowledged that the emergence of multiple candidates could lead to internal tensions but emphasized that the reconciliation committee was actively working to resolve these disputes. “Our goal is to ensure that all grievances are addressed, and that all parties come together to advance the common cause,” he said. On education, Alli outlined ambitious plans to reform public schooling, promising to reduce class sizes to a maximum of 30 students in primary and secondary schools. He also pledged to rehabilitate school infrastructure and provide free, quality education from primary through secondary levels. Furthermore, he proposed expanding technical and vocational education by establishing new technical colleges and integrating practical skills training into tertiary institutions. These initiatives aim to enhance employability among youth and support economic growth. In terms of security, Alli advocated for the establishment of neighborhood watch systems and the implementation of biometric registration for all residents. He argued that a comprehensive database would enable more efficient policing and community oversight. Additionally, he called for greater autonomy for local government councils, asserting that effective grassroots governance is essential for sustainable development. As the APC continues to navigate internal challenges and prepare for the 2027 elections, the focus remains on uniting the party, ensuring compliance with legal procedures, and delivering tangible benefits to constituents. The success of these efforts will likely determine the APC’s performance in the upcoming contests, shaping the political landscape of Nigeria for years to come.