Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli is set to officially declare his gubernatorial ambition under the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The declaration comes amidst growing speculations that Alli is widely considered a strong contender and potentially emerging as a consensus candidate for the APC.
This is even more so because, apart from the powerful political networking said to be going on underground, Alli was recently seen in a picture with President Bola Tinubu in what was said to be a private meeting between the two.
Prior to that, his mentor, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, had also met privately with President Bola Tinubu. Even though Oba Ladoja's meeting was met with mixed reactions, while some believed the monarch must have met the President to do Alli's bidding, others argued that it was just a private meeting.
Recall that Senator Sharafadeen Alli served as Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) and later Chief of Staff to Ladoja when he was governor back then.
Alli is currently representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate under APC.
He's arguably the most talked about politician in Oyo State presently.
His significant political experience and impressive academic background are central to his rising profile.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) (Hons) and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Ibadan, alongside a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Legislative & Strategic Studies from the Federal University of Lokoja.
His professional affiliations include being a Principal Partner at Biodun Alli & Co. and holding fellowships and associate memberships with numerous prestigious professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Institute of Strategic Management, and the Chartered Institute of Leadership & Governance.
Also, his political career is marked by a series of notable achievements, demonstrating a consistent upward trajectory.
Alli made history as the Pioneer Ibadan North Local Government Chairman at just 28.
He was an Ex-Senator-Elect for Oyo South at 35, served as Secretary to the State Government at 40, and later as Chief of Staff to the Governor at 42.
He also chaired the Board of Directors for Odu’a Investment Company Limited. Currently, he serves as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the Oyo South Senatorial District.
This extensive track record of public service, coupled with his deep roots in the community – evidenced by his leadership in the Omo Ajorosun Club and his traditional titles as Asiwaju Balogun of Bakatari, Akogun of Ibadanland, and Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland – positions him uniquely.
Political analysts suggest that Alli's blend of executive, legislative, and traditional leadership experience makes him a formidable figure capable of uniting various factions within the Oyo APC.
His consistent presence in the political landscape and his demonstrated capacity for leadership are key factors contributing to the widespread belief that he could emerge as the party's consensus candidate, offering a strong and experienced choice for the governorship.
-Dare Adeniran
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