Alli and Adelabu Compete for Oyo APC Governorship Ticket

The political landscape in Oyo State is heating up as Sharafadeen Alli and Adebayo Adelabu vie for the Oyo APC governorship ticket for the 2026 elections. Alli formally declared his gubernatorial ambitions on April 17, 2026, with a significant rally in Ibadan, positioning himself as a grassroots favorite against the traditional political elite.

Adelabu, who resigned from the federal cabinet on April 22, is making his third attempt at the governorship, signaling his intent to challenge the current political dynamics. Reports suggest that Alli may have the backing of Abuja, with rumors of private endorsements from President Bola Tinubu, although Adelabu's camp dismisses these claims as speculation.

The rivalry is intensified by Adelabu's scrutiny over his performance in the power sector and the internal dynamics within the APC, where both candidates are attempting to assert control. The upcoming primaries are expected to be fiercely contested, with implications for the party's leadership stability.