Oyo Governorship Hopeful Emerges First on Screening List, Pledges Grassroots-Focused Campaign Ahead of 2027
A leading aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has been cleared by the party’s screening committee to participate in the forthcoming governorship primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It was authoritatively gathered that Engr. Alao appeared first on the list before the screening panel on Saturday, May 9, in Abuja. After a thorough review of his credentials and party standing, the committee cleared him to contest in the primary, positioning him as one of the early contenders to watch in the race.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the screening, Alao expressed delight at the outcome and thanked the party for a transparent process.
“I am delighted to have been cleared to move forward,” he said. “This is a victory for our party members across Oyo State who have stood with us from the grassroots. It shows that consistency, loyalty, and service are still valued in the APC.”
Alao, who chairs Oceansalt Oil and Gas Engineering and has maintained active involvement in Oyo APC structures since 2019, said he was ready for the next phase of the contest.
“We are prepared to take the next step towards leading Oyo State to an enviable destination,” he declared. “Our focus remains on agriculture, health, education, and civil service reform—areas that directly affect the lives of our people. With the support of party faithful, we will build a government that works for everyone.”
The clearance comes days after Alao submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. During that submission, he had described himself as a “grassroots man” and endorsed the party’s direct primary mode as the best way to test loyalty and popularity among members.
Political observers note that Alao’s early clearance and first position on the screening list could give him momentum going into the primary. His campaign has consistently emphasized party loyalty, grassroots mobilization, and issue-based politics, distinguishing him in a field that includes former ministers, lawmakers, and technocrats.
The Oyo APC governorship primary is expected to hold in the coming weeks, with the winner set to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
With the screening hurdle crossed, Alao’s camp says attention will now shift to delegate engagement and policy outreach across the state’s 33 local government areas.
