EXCLUSIVE: Why Alli picked Adedeji as running mate
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has explained its choice of Adesoji Adedeji as the running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, describing the decision as an effort to combine political experience with youthful energy and grassroots connections.
In an exclusive interview with Western Post, the organisation’s director of strategy and communications, Kehinde Olaosebikan, described Adedeji as young, energetic, humble, brilliant and resourceful.
According to the organisation, Adedeji’s emergence brings geographical balance to the ticket, as he hails from Iwo-Ate in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area. It said his inclusion was also intended to strengthen the ticket’s appeal across different sections of the state.
The campaign organisation identified geographical balance, youth inclusion and grassroots connections as key considerations behind the selection, noting that Adedeji’s profile complements Alli’s political and administrative experience.
Olaosebikan also praised the running mate’s relationship with political leaders and elders, citing his humility and understanding of political affairs.
“What amazes me most at functions are his political sagacity, humility — uncommon in one so young — and the candour he exudes in his relationships with leaders and elders,” he said.
The organisation said Adedeji had demonstrated a willingness to serve and expressed confidence that his experience and grassroots connections would feature in the APC campaign ahead of the February 6, 2027, governorship election. It also urged party members and supporters to rally behind the ticket.
Alli had previously served as a local government chairman, Secretary to the Oyo State Government and chief of staff to a governor. He also chaired the Oodua Group of Companies and currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
The campaign organisation said his experience, combined with Adedeji’s youthful profile, formed the basis of its leadership proposition for the state.
“We have the best combination, the best team and the best ticket in APC. We are giving Oyo the very best. We are going to win convincingly by the grace of God,” it said.
