Like Ajimobi, Like BSA: Senator Sharafadeen Alli Ticks All the Boxes for Oyo Governor 2027 | By Elder David Oluokun

As the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State gradually takes centre stage, political permutations and ideological alignments are beginning to crystallise around the search for a candidate capable of providing purposeful leadership, administrative competence and sustainable development.

For many residents of the state, the administration of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi remains a significant reference point in discussions about governance, infrastructure, institutional stability and economic transformation. It is against this backdrop that the emergence of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, PhD, popularly known as BSA, as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has generated considerable political interest.

Supporters of Senator Alli contend that his career trajectory presents a rare combination of judicial, legislative and executive experience—attributes they believe place him in a strong position to govern Oyo State without the prolonged learning curve often associated with political newcomers.

Three-Arm Experience

One of the principal arguments advanced in favour of Alli is his extensive exposure to the three major dimensions of public administration.

As a trained lawyer, he possesses a grounding in constitutionalism, due process and the rule of law. His supporters argue that such judicial orientation could prove valuable in ensuring that government policies and decisions remain firmly anchored in legal and constitutional principles.

His legislative credentials are equally significant. As the serving senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Alli has acquired experience in lawmaking, legislative diplomacy and engagement with federal institutions. His advocates believe this position gives him an important platform from which to attract federal interventions and projects to the state.

His executive experience, however, is perhaps the most compelling aspect of his political résumé. He previously served as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and later occupied senior positions within the Oyo State Government, including Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government under the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

That combination, according to his supporters, makes him a politician who understands the machinery of government and would not be approaching the governorship as an apprentice.

Prepared, Tested and Ready

The central argument of the BSA campaign is that Oyo State cannot afford another administration that would spend its first term experimenting with governance.

Alli’s supporters maintain that he has spent decades building political, administrative and institutional experience and is therefore sufficiently prepared to assume the responsibilities of governor from day one.

They point to his understanding of the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards, as well as his familiarity with the challenges confronting ordinary residents, including unemployment, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic hardship.

For them, the question is no longer whether Alli is prepared for the office, but whether Oyo people are ready to entrust him with the opportunity to implement his vision.

The Ajimobi Template

Those drawing parallels between Alli and the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi point particularly to what they describe as discipline, administrative sophistication, political organisation and an emphasis on measurable results.

They portray Alli as a progressive politician with considerable experience across different political structures and as a potential bridge-builder capable of bringing divergent tendencies within the APC under one political umbrella.

His supporters further argue that his political disposition, communication skills and administrative exposure could enable him to appeal simultaneously to grassroots constituencies, political stakeholders, traditional institutions, organised groups and prospective investors.

Why Supporters Consider Him Marketable

For the proponents of the BSA project, his perceived political strengths extend beyond party structures.

They cite his years of public service as evidence of institutional experience, his current legislative position as a gateway to the Federal Government, and his involvement in political reconciliation as evidence of his capacity to build consensus.

They also contend that his political acceptability across different parts of the state—from Ibadan to Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa—could provide the broad coalition required to mount a formidable governorship campaign.

In their estimation, the 2027 contest will ultimately be determined not merely by political slogans but by the credibility, competence, experience and organisational capacity of the candidates.

The Road to 2027

With the 2027 election still ahead, the political battlefield in Oyo State is expected to become increasingly competitive as political parties and aspirants intensify consultations, mobilisation and coalition-building.

For Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli’s supporters, however, the selling point is straightforward: he combines legal knowledge, legislative experience and executive exposure in a manner they believe makes him adequately equipped for the governorship.

Whether that combination will translate into electoral victory remains a question for the electorate to determine in 2027.

But one thing is already clear: the APC’s choice of BSA has placed his experience, record and political philosophy firmly at the centre of the emerging debate over the future direction of Oyo State.

For his supporters, the message is unequivocal: prepared, tested and ready to rescue Oyo.