APC Governorship Candidate Calls for Unity, Patriotism, Continuity, People-Centred Development
By Debo Adeoye
The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has called on Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and unite in the task of building a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation.
Alli made the call in his Independence Day message issued in Ibadan on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as Nigeria commemorated its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The APC candidate described the anniversary as an important moment for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and national development.
He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite the challenges confronting the nation, stressing that Nigeria possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of transforming it into one of the world’s leading economies.
According to him, nation-building requires responsible leadership, patriotism, unity of purpose and collective action.
“Independence Day is not merely a celebration of freedom from colonial rule; it is a solemn reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve, strengthen and improve the Nigeria handed over to us by our founding fathers.
“We must never lose faith in Nigeria. Despite the challenges confronting the nation, our country remains endowed with enormous human and natural resources capable of making it one of the most prosperous nations in the world,” he said.
Alli also called for continued support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms were designed to reposition the economy and create the foundation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
His position comes against the backdrop of President Tinubu’s Independence Day address in which the President said Nigeria had moved beyond the most difficult phase of its economic reforms and was entering a new phase focused on prosperity, production and improved living standards.
Alli urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government as it moves from economic reforms and stabilisation towards increased production, investment, job creation and broader economic opportunities.
He said the success of national development efforts required cooperation between citizens, governments, businesses and other stakeholders.
Turning specifically to Oyo State, the APC governorship candidate appealed to residents to support President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The governorship election is scheduled for February 6, 2027, according to the timetable published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Alli said an APC-led government in Oyo State would create stronger alignment with the Federal Government and provide greater opportunity for coordinated development interventions.
He therefore urged Oyo voters to support the APC ticket across the various elective positions, describing the party’s candidates as members of one political team committed to advancing the interests of the state.
“For Oyo State, I appeal to our people to remain united and support the APC team as we seek a new direction for the state under our collective leadership,” he said.
Alli said his ambition to govern Oyo State was driven by a desire to provide purposeful, inclusive and people-centred leadership, rather than the pursuit of political power for its own sake.
He listed education, security, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic development, improved welfare and local government autonomy among the priorities of his proposed administration.
According to him, Oyo State possesses enormous economic potential in agriculture, commerce, industry, tourism and human capital, but requires deliberate policies and effective leadership to translate those resources into tangible opportunities for its people.
“We are seeking the mandate to build an Oyo where our children can receive quality education, our farmers can produce without fear, our young people can find opportunities and our communities can benefit from meaningful infrastructure.
“Our campaign is not about political power for its own sake. It is about service, development and restoring greater confidence in the ability of government to improve the lives of our people,” Alli said.
The APC standard-bearer also appealed to party members across the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards to close ranks and work together for the success of all APC candidates.
He specifically urged party members to see the senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates as part of a single political team whose collective objective should be the advancement of Oyo State.
Alli stressed that unity within the party would be crucial to presenting a coherent political platform to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
He equally called on political actors across the state to conduct their campaigns peacefully and focus their messages on policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of citizens.
The APC candidate commended Nigerians for their resilience in the face of economic and social difficulties, saying the sacrifices and determination of citizens remained vital to the nation’s progress.
He called for greater patriotism, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, warning that ethnic, religious and political divisions could undermine national development.
“Let us use this Independence Anniversary to renew our commitment to Nigeria. We must build bridges rather than walls, promote unity rather than division and place the interests of our people above personal considerations,” he said.
Alli congratulated President Tinubu, the Federal Government, state and local governments and Nigerians at home and abroad on the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He prayed for continued peace, security, stability and prosperity in Nigeria and urged citizens to remain hopeful and committed to the collective responsibility of nation-building.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Alli’s message is anchored on three themes: faith in Nigeria, support for ongoing national reforms and a united APC campaign for the 2027 elections in Oyo State.
