Tinubu Meets Folarin as APC Intensifies Reconciliation Ahead of Oyo 2027 Governorship Election

By Abigail David

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with former Senate Leader and former Oyo State governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, in Abuja, amid ongoing efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

According to a source familiar with the meeting, the discussions focused on reconciling key party stakeholders and mobilising support for the APC’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli.

Folarin was the APC candidate in the 2023 governorship election, where he lost to incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He did not contest the party’s 2027 primary, which produced Alli as the APC candidate.

The source said the meeting formed part of the party’s reconciliation efforts following disagreements that emerged during the governorship nomination process.

According to the source, President Tinubu assured Folarin that his supporters would be considered in future political arrangements at both the state and federal levels. The source also said Folarin is expected to brief his supporters on the outcome of the meeting.

Alli emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate after consultations among party leaders, although the process was challenged by some aspirants and party members.

The APC has since called on aggrieved members to close ranks as it seeks to reclaim Oyo State from the PDP, which has been in power since 2019.