The Bimbo Adekanmbi Support for Excellence (BASE) has urged the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to be embarrassed by the recent outing of its governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, at the launch of the Alao-Akala Transformation Movement (ATM) in Ogbomoso.
The group was reacting to a viral video in which Alli was heard repeatedly chanting “APM” instead of APC while addressing guests and supporters at the event.
According to BASE, the incident, which occurred in the presence of other APC leaders and supporters, reflected the need for the party to carefully assess the capacity and preparedness of its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
In a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Kolawole Akanmu, the group said Alli should not be entirely blamed for the incident, arguing that the APC ought to have considered younger candidates when selecting its flag bearer.
BASE noted that the demands of governing Oyo State require sustained physical and mental energy, particularly given the size of the state and the challenges confronting its growing population.
The youth movement group said: “Senator Sharafadeen Alli repeatedly echoed APM on a stage while addressing members of the movement being launched. Even when the late Alao-Akala’s son, Hon. Olamiju Akala, called his attention to the error after his first pronouncement, he still repeated the same grievous mistake.”
BASE, however, said Alli should be respected for his contributions to the state during his active years, stressing that the issue was more about the suitability of his age and capacity for the demands of the governorship than his past accomplishments.
BASE argued that at 64, Alli was approaching an age at which he should consider taking a less demanding political role, rather than seeking to occupy the executive office of governor.
The youth group advised the APC candidate to consider embracing traditional leadership, including taking up an Obaship stool, which it said would provide him with an opportunity to serve his community while having more time to enjoy his family and grandchildren.
“Senator Sharafadeen Alli has been productive for the state in his prime. He is now at a stage where his grandchildren need him most at home,” the group stated.
BASE further argued that electing an older governor could limit the period within which such a leader would remain politically active and capable of providing continuity after leaving office.
It maintained that a middle-aged governor would be better positioned to provide a longer-term vision and implement policies whose benefits could take several years to materialise.
They also pointed to Oyo State’s large youth population, arguing that generational representation should be an important consideration in the 2027 governorship election.
According to BASE, younger leadership could enhance communication with the state’s youthful population and provide a better understanding of their aspirations, particularly in areas such as employment, entrepreneurship, technology and education.
The youth movement added that younger leaders might be better positioned to embrace emerging technologies, innovative business models and contemporary approaches to public administration.
BASE therefore called on Oyo APC members and stakeholders to reflect on the demands of the governorship before the 2027 election, stressing that the state requires a leader with the energy, capacity and long-term vision to drive its development.
BASE group urged the party to focus on the future and consider candidates capable of providing sustained leadership for the state’s next generation.
