The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State for the 2027 general election, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has expressed confidence that the party’s internal reconciliation efforts will restore unity ahead of the polls.
This was as he revealed that President Bola Tinubu has personally intervened by engaging former governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin.
Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, disclosed this on Monday during a media interactive session organised by the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), tagged “A Day with BSA,” held in Ibadan.
The APC standard-bearer said healing divisions within the party had become one of his foremost priorities following his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate.
He noted that extensive consultations were already underway with key stakeholders across the state.
According to him, he has met with former governorship aspirants, members of the G-6 bloc and other influential leaders of the party as part of efforts to foster reconciliation and strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu had also reached out to Senator Teslim Folarin and charged him with leading reconciliation efforts among aggrieved members of the party.
“We have been making conscious efforts to unite the APC. I have met with aspirants and spoken with members of the G-6.
“President Bola Tinubu has also engaged Senator Teslim Folarin and tasked him with reconciling all aggrieved members. We are already resolving the crisis, and I believe the party will emerge stronger and more united,” Alli said.
The senator described his emergence as the APC candidate as the beginning of a renewed mission to reposition the party for electoral victory, urging members to put aside their differences and work collectively towards reclaiming power in Oyo State.
Unveils first 100-day agenda
Beyond party politics, Alli outlined the key policy priorities that would shape the first 100 days of his administration if elected governor.
On education, he promised to restore quality teaching and learning by reducing class sizes in public schools to a maximum of 30 pupils per classroom, while embarking on massive rehabilitation of educational facilities across the state.
“We will return to 30 pupils per classroom because quality education begins with a conducive learning environment.
“We will upgrade facilities in all public primary and secondary schools and ensure that every child enjoys free, functional and quality education from primary to secondary level,” he said.
The APC candidate also pledged to revitalise technical and vocational education by establishing and strengthening technical colleges across Oyo State, while integrating practical skills acquisition into tertiary institutions to enhance employability among graduates.
“We must produce graduates with practical skills. Technical education will receive priority because it is critical to industrial growth and youth employment,” he added.
He further promised to discontinue the heavy reliance on consultancy services in public schools, insisting that teachers and educational institutions would instead be adequately equipped to deliver quality instruction.
Security, local government autonomy
Speaking on security, Alli proposed the establishment of a comprehensive biometric database for all residents of Oyo State, saying such a system would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen crime prevention efforts.
“We need a comprehensive database of everyone living in Oyo State. Every resident should be registered with biometric details, including fingerprints. This will significantly improve intelligence gathering and strengthen our security architecture,” he stated.
He also advocated strengthening neighbourhood watch structures as part of broader efforts to improve security across the state.
On grassroots governance, the APC flag bearer stressed the need to empower local government councils to function effectively, arguing that sustainable development could only be achieved when governance at the grassroots was strengthened.
“Our local governments must function efficiently because development starts from the grassroots. Once local governments work efficiently, governance becomes more impactful,” he said.
Alli maintained that education, security, youth empowerment and effective local government administration would constitute the pillars of his administration’s first 100 days, expressing optimism that the proposed reforms would place Oyo State on the path of sustainable growth and development.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Akeem Abbas, said the interactive session was conceived to provide governorship candidates and other political office seekers with a platform to present their programmes directly to the electorate.
According to him, the initiative would enable voters to critically assess the visions and policy proposals of contestants ahead of the 2027 elections and make informed electoral choices.