2027: Teslim Folarin Declares Support for Sarafa Alli, Calls for Unity in Oyo APC
By The Legits Blogger | October 24, 2026
IBADAN, Oyo State — Former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin has declared his support for Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Folarin made his position known on Monday, October 19, when Alli and members of his entourage visited him in Ibadan, the state capital. The meeting marked a significant development in efforts to address disagreements within the Oyo APC following the party's governorship selection process.
According to reports published by The Punch, Vanguard and Tribune Online on October 20, Folarin pledged to work with Alli and other APC candidates while urging aggrieved party members to put their differences aside and focus on the forthcoming elections.
Folarin Backs Alli After Party Disagreements
Folarin, who contested the Oyo State governorship election under the APC in 2023, had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the circumstances surrounding Alli's emergence as the party's candidate for 2027.
The disagreement was linked to concerns raised by Folarin's camp about the conduct of the party's governorship primary and the process through which the candidate emerged.
However, during the recent meeting in Ibadan, Folarin publicly demonstrated his support for Alli by raising his hand before supporters gathered at the event.
The former Senate Leader acknowledged that aspirants who had invested considerable time and effort in pursuing their political ambitions could understandably feel disappointed when the outcome did not favour them.
He maintained that the concerns of aggrieved members needed to be addressed through dialogue and genuine reconciliation.
His declaration signals a move towards cooperation between the two politicians as the APC prepares for the 2027 elections.
Folarin Raises Concerns Over Reconciliation Efforts
Despite declaring his support for Alli, Folarin indicated that more work was required to resolve disagreements among members of the Oyo APC.
He expressed concern about the pace of reconciliation efforts being coordinated by a committee involving Professor Taoheed Adedoja and Senator Femi Lanlehin.
Folarin estimated that the process had achieved approximately 20 per cent of its intended target, according to reports of his remarks at the meeting.
He attributed the slow progress to unresolved grievances among party stakeholders and called for more engagement with those who remained dissatisfied.
The former lawmaker stressed that party leaders needed to listen to the concerns of aggrieved members and find ways to accommodate them rather than assume that disagreements would disappear without intervention.
He also urged Alli to maintain communication with party stakeholders and ensure that experienced members were included in efforts to strengthen the party.
Folarin Urges APC Members to Work Together
Folarin called on APC members across Oyo State to cooperate ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that continued internal disagreements could undermine the party's preparations.
He also referred to his responsibility as coordinator of the Oyo State Presidential Campaign Council, saying his role involved working towards the success of President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the state.
He urged party members to build on the support the APC received in Oyo State during the 2023 presidential election and work towards improving the party's performance in the next electoral cycle.
Folarin further advocated a review of the party's internal reward system, arguing that members who contributed to the party's activities and electoral efforts should receive appropriate recognition.
He said party unity would require leaders to address the concerns of members rather than overlook their contributions.
Meetings With Other Oyo APC Leaders
Folarin also disclosed that he had met with other prominent political figures as part of efforts to address the party's internal disagreements.
Those mentioned in reports of his remarks included former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari and former Oyo State Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan.
The engagements formed part of wider efforts to bring together party stakeholders whose differences had emerged during the governorship selection process.
Although Folarin has now publicly declared support for Alli, the extent to which other dissatisfied members will participate in the reconciliation process remains an important issue for the party.
What the Development Means for Oyo Politics
Folarin's declaration comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
His decision to work with Alli could affect ongoing discussions about cooperation among APC leaders, particularly those who had expressed reservations about the process that produced the party's governorship candidate.
Nevertheless, a public declaration of support does not necessarily mean that all disagreements within the party have been resolved.
The success of the reconciliation process will depend on whether party leaders can address outstanding concerns, improve communication and establish a workable understanding among the different groups within the APC.
For voters in Oyo State, the development provides another indication of how political parties are organising and managing internal disagreements ahead of the next election.
Conclusion
Teslim Folarin's decision to support Sarafa Alli ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election marks a notable development in the APC's efforts to manage its internal differences.
While Folarin has called on members to unite behind the party's candidates, he has also stressed the need to address the grievances of dissatisfied stakeholders and recognise the contributions of party members.
Whether these efforts will produce broader reconciliation within the Oyo APC remains to be seen as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Sources:
The Punch: 2027: Folarin buries the hatchet, backs Alli for Oyo gov
Vanguard: Oyo APC crisis: Folarin backs Alli, calls for unity ahead of 2027
Tribune Online: Folarin hosts Alli, declares support for his ambition
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