AKK Congratulates Senator Sharafadeen Alli on APC Victory, Emerges 6th Despite Stepping Down — A Testament to His Growing Political Strength and Loyalty to Party Supremacy.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli has emerged as the winner of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election after polling a commanding 91,824 votes to defeat ten other aspirants in the keenly contested exercise.
The outcome of the primary has continued to generate reactions across the state, particularly following the decision of Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK) to step down before the election in support of Senator Alli, a move widely described by party stakeholders as a demonstration of maturity, loyalty, and commitment to party supremacy.
Despite formally stepping down for Senator Alli ahead of the vote, AKK still recorded 990 votes, finishing in 6th position among the 11 governorship aspirants — an indication of his growing political influence, grassroots acceptance, and relevance within the APC structure in Oyo State.
Political observers have described AKK’s performance as remarkable, especially considering that he voluntarily withdrew from the race in the interest of party unity. Many believe the development further strengthens his image as a disciplined and strategic politician with a promising future ahead.
At a relatively youthful age compared to many established figures in Oyo politics, AKK’s decision to place party interest above personal ambition has earned him commendation from party loyalists and political analysts who insist that his governorship ambition remains alive for the future.
According to the verified results released by party sources, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli secured 91,824 votes to emerge victorious, while former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, came second with 7,532 votes.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari finished third with 6,963 votes, followed by Barrister Akeem Agbaje who polled 1,475 votes. Former Deputy Governor, Barrister Rauf Remi Olaniyan, scored 992 votes to place fifth.
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), despite stepping down before voting commenced, secured 990 votes to emerge sixth. Other aspirants include Hakeem Alao with 170 votes, Ololade Usman Bakare with 15 votes, Wasiu Ayobami Lam-Adesina with 10 votes, and Muyiwa Gbadegesin with 7 votes.
The official figures also dismissed earlier viral results circulating on social media, which party officials described as false, misleading, and mathematically impossible.
Following the conclusion of the primary election, APC members across Oyo State have begun rallying behind Senator Alli ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with many leaders calling for reconciliation, unity, and collective commitment toward returning the party to power in the state.
For AKK supporters, however, the primary outcome is seen not as a setback but as the beginning of a stronger political future. Many within the party believe that his loyalty, humility, intellectual depth, and demonstrated capacity for sacrifice have positioned him as one of the leading faces of the next generation of political leadership in Oyo State.
Stakeholders insist that politics is a marathon and not a sprint, expressing confidence that AKK still has a bright opportunity to become Governor of Oyo State in the future.
Monday, May 25, 2026.
