Femi Aremu
As the dust gradually settles on the emergence of Senator Sarafadeen Alli as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State for the 2027 election, the task before party leaders, stakeholders and members is no longer about who got what during the contest. The greater challenge is how to unite, reconcile and mobilize all forces within the party towards reclaiming the Government House in Agodi.
Politics is ultimately about winning elections, and no political party can afford to remain in opposition indefinitely. For the APC in Oyo State, the stakes are particularly high. Having spent years out of power at the state level, another eight years in opposition would further diminish the opportunities available to party faithful who have remained loyal through thick and thin.
The reality is that those who bear the greatest burden when a party is out of power are often the grassroots members. They are the ward leaders, polling unit agents, youth mobilisers and women groups who sacrifice their time and resources to sustain the party structure, through regular meetings. It is therefore imperative that every decision and action within the APC should be guided by what serves the collective interest of these loyal party members.
This is why the emergence of Senator Sarafadeen Alli should be seen as an opportunity for unity rather than division.
Those who know Senator Alli closely attest to his exceptional grassroots connection. He is one politician who remains accessible to ordinary people irrespective of their social status. His doors are open, his ears are willing to listen, and his approach to leadership is rooted in consultation and inclusion.
A recent incident perfectly illustrates his character. After returning home from an official engagement, food was served to him. Rather than immediately commencing his meal, he repeatedly asked whether members of his entourage had also been served. Despite assurances that arrangements had been made, he patiently waited until the meals of those who accompanied him arrived before touching his own food.
To some, this may appear like a simple act. But in reality, it reveals a great deal about a man’s personality. It reflects empathy, humility, consideration for others and a genuine concern for the welfare of people around him. Leadership is often defined by little acts that reveal big values, and this anecdote speaks volumes about Senator Alli’s disposition.
Such traits are particularly important in a state like Oyo where the electorate increasingly desire leaders who are connected to the people and sensitive to their needs.
The APC must also recognize that politics is a game of collective sacrifice. Every major political party has beneficiaries who have enjoyed opportunities, appointments and privileges over the years. Some prominent figures within the party have been exceptionally fortunate, having occupied several high-profile positions at different times in their careers. Some rose to become Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and later secured ministerial appointments despite political circumstances that could have worked against them. Such individuals have undoubtedly benefited immensely from the goodwill and support of the APC family. There are over seven million people in Oyo State, being singled out for privileges does not mean one is better than others. It is not a birthright.
This is why the moment calls for magnanimity, sacrifice and loyalty to the collective interest of the party. Personal ambitions and disappointments should be subordinated to the larger objective of returning the APC to power in Oyo State.
The history of successful political parties across the world shows that victory often comes when individual interests give way to collective goals. Once a candidate emerges through the party’s recognized process, the responsibility of every loyal member is to work for the success of that candidate.
Equally deserving of commendation is the Chairman of the National Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, whose commitment to the welfare of party members and ordinary citizens has remained remarkable. At a period when the APC has been out of power in Oyo State, he has continued to support party activities and empower individuals across various communities.
Many party leaders and members acknowledge that his interventions have helped sustain morale within the party. More importantly, the benefits of his generosity do not stop with political leaders. What he gives to individuals and party stakeholders often filters down to ordinary people at the grassroots, creating a wider circle of impact across communities.
His efforts have demonstrated that genuine leadership is not only about occupying public office but also about touching lives and strengthening institutions.
As 2027 approaches, the APC in Oyo State stands at a critical crossroads. The choice before the party is clear: unite behind Senator Sarafadeen Alli and present a formidable front to the electorate, or allow internal divisions to jeopardize another opportunity to reclaim power.
The people of Oyo State are watching. Party members are watching. History is watching.
The time for contest is over. The time for reconciliation is now. The time for unity is now. The time to rally behind Senator Sarafadeen Alli is now.
Only a united APC can return to government. Only a united APC can protect the interests of its faithful. And only a united APC can deliver the victory that its members have patiently awaited for nearly eight years.
Aremu writes for the Oyo APC Stakeholders’Forum