APC’s Alli pledges to deliver free basic education, infrastructural reforms if elected
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has promised free education from primary to junior secondary school level alongside a cap of 30 pupils per classroom if elected governor in 2027.
Speaking at a dialogue hosted by the Oyo Leadership Initiative in Ibadan on Thursday, Alli outlined a comprehensive policy agenda that includes restoring school governing boards, paying monthly running grants and guaranteeing prompt salaries for teachers.
The senator highlighted plans to construct information and communication technology centres across all 33 local government areas while curbing political interference in tertiary institutions by fully empowering their governing councils.
Turning to public health, the candidate pledged to deliver free medical care for infants, pregnant women and the elderly alongside a comprehensive state-wide resident census to optimize resource allocation across key sectors.
Alli further detailed strategies to boost food security by revitalising the state agribusiness agency, transitioning towards mechanised farming and repairing rural access roads to lower produce transport costs.
His security vision focuses on establishing a tech-driven neighbourhood watch system powered by localized solar micro-grids, whilst simultaneously promising a formal review of the controversial 500-metre corridor expansion for the Ibadan Circular Road project.
The convener of the Oyo Leadership Initiative, Abiola Ali, endorsed the candidate’s integrity and governance experience, noting that the professional body was founded in November 2025 to foster high-calibre leadership across the state.
The high-profile policy dialogue drew prominent political figures, including state party executives and campaign leadership, underscoring the party’s early consolidation ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.
