By Femi Aremu
The emergence of Senator Sarafadeen Alli as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election in Oyo State has understandably generated mixed reactions among party faithful. While his supporters are celebrating what they consider a well-deserved victory, some members who backed other aspirants are still struggling to come to terms with the outcome.
Such emotions are natural in a democratic contest. However, now that the primary has been concluded and a winner has emerged, as announced by the State Chairman of the party shortly after a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos, the greater challenge is not who won or lost, but how to unite and reclaim power in Oyo State after eight years in opposition.
For many observers, accepting Senator Alli’s emergence may be particularly difficult for supporters of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who mounted a vigorous campaign and enjoyed significant support across the state. Yet, politics is ultimately about institutions, party supremacy and collective interests. The APC has made its choice, and the leadership of the party as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have given their blessings to the process and its outcome.
Interestingly, some individuals have demanded video or audio evidence of the President’s endorsement of Senator Alli. Such demands appear misplaced. None of the aspirants, party leaders or stakeholders who visited the President before and after the primary returned with audio recordings or video clips of their discussions. Those who support the outcome and those who oppose it were all privy to the same process.
The truth remains that if the President was dissatisfied with what transpired, he possesses both the authority and influence to call the party leadership to order. The fact that the national leadership has remained united behind the outcome suggests that the process enjoys the confidence of those entrusted with guiding the party.
At this stage, continuing to debate whether an endorsement occurred or not serves little purpose. The APC has more pressing concerns. The party must focus on building a united front capable of challenging the incumbent administration in 2027.
History offers useful lessons in patience and party loyalty. In Lagos State, many political observers believed that the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, was favoured to emerge as the governorship candidate in 2019. Yet the ticket eventually went to Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Rather than abandon the party or undermine its leadership, Hamzat remained committed to the collective project. Today, he remains a respected leader whose political future remains bright as he has just been handed the party’s governorship ticket. Politics often rewards patience.
There is wisdom in the scriptures regarding timing and destiny. The Holy Bible teaches in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that there is “a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Similarly, the Holy Qur’an reminds believers that Allah grants authority and honour according to His will. These teachings underscore a simple truth: when God ordains a position for an individual, no human being can prevent it; and when the appointed time has not come, no amount of human effort can force it.
This perspective should encourage humility in victory and dignity in defeat. Political contests come and go, but institutions endure. The Oyo State APC cannot afford to become divided by bitterness or prolonged grievances.
Equally important is the need to stop the unwarranted attacks on the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, (NRS) Dr. Zacch Adedeji. The narrative being pushed in some quarters seeks to portray him as the architect of decisions that are fundamentally party matters. Such claims ignore the realities of political organisation and hierarchy.
Dr. Adedeji is not acting alone. The same directives and strategic decisions being implemented by him are being followed by the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. It is therefore unfair to single out one individual for criticism simply because some party members are dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary.
Political maturity demands that party members distinguish between personal disappointment and collective responsibility. The APC’s immediate task is not assigning blame but mobilising support, reconciling aggrieved stakeholders and presenting a credible alternative to the people of Oyo State.
The danger of continued infighting is obvious. Every day spent attacking fellow party members, questioning leadership decisions and demarketing the party is a day lost in the broader effort to return the APC to government in Oyo State.
Democracy produces winners and losers in every contest. However, successful political parties are distinguished by their ability to close ranks after internal contests. Senator Sarafadeen Alli has emerged as the party’s standard bearer. Whether one supported him or not, the reality is that his success in 2027 will depend largely on the willingness of APC leaders and members to place the party above personal ambition.
The time has therefore come for genuine reconciliation. It is time to heal wounds, rebuild trust and channel collective energy toward the larger objective of returning the APC to power in Oyo State.
The party has spoken. The leadership has spoken. The President has spoken. What remains is for party faithful to move forward together, confident that political destinies are ultimately determined by God and that patience, loyalty and unity often yield greater rewards than resentment and division.
Aremu writes for the Oyo APC Stakeholders’Forum
