The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state, Sharafadeen Alli, has appealed to aggrieved members and stakeholders of the party to embrace reconciliation and unity ahead of the 2027 election.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Alli urged aggrieved groups and members following the APC primaries to place the party’s collective interest above personal ambitions.

The governorship candidate noted that the APC could not afford to remain in opposition in Oyo state after eight years. He stressed that unity remained the only pathway to electoral victory.

Mr Alli stressed that all party members must close ranks and work together to wrest power from the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in the state.

“All contests naturally produce winners and aggrieved parties, but at a critical time like this, the greater interest of our party and the future of Oyo state must supersede personal grievances.

“We cannot continue to remain in opposition when our people are yearning for purposeful leadership, inclusive governance and sustainable development. This is the time to unite our structures and work collectively to reclaim Oyo state for the APC,” he said.

Mr Alli said that the forthcoming election was beyond individual aspirations and was rather a collective effort to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu, APC candidates, and progressive governance in the state.

He stressed that reconciliation within the party must be genuine, sincere and rooted in fairness, mutual respect and commitment to progressive ideals.

The APC candidate also assured party leaders, youths, women and supporters that his administration, if elected, would be inclusive and accommodating to all interests within the party.

“I extend my hand of fellowship to everyone. There is no victor and no vanquished in this struggle. What matters most now is the victory of our great party and the liberation of Oyo state. I want to work with all stakeholders to build a greater Oyo state where development, security and prosperity will flourish for all citizens,” he said.

Mr Alli urged party faithful across the state’s 33 local government areas to remain steadfast and committed to the APC. He expressed confidence that unity and collective determination would guarantee the party’s victory in the 2027 elections.

The candidate reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation efforts and pledged continued consultations with party leaders and stakeholders to strengthen the APC ahead of the polls.

(NAN)