Hon. Umar Farouk Arisekola Alao, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Ibadan North Federal Constituency to close ranks and work together following his picking of INEC nomination forms at the party National Secretariat in Abuja as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

‎In a statement issued shortly after he was officially declared the APC candidate, Arisekola Alao expressed profound appreciation to party leaders, delegates, stakeholders, women, youths, and members for the confidence reposed in him, describing the mandate as one that belongs to every progressive in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

‎He also commended the maturity, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed by his fellow aspirants throughout the nomination process, noting that their conduct reflected the strength, unity, and democratic culture of the APC.

‎”I sincerely appreciate my brothers and sister who participated in the contest alongside me. Their maturity, commitment to our party, and sportsmanship before, during, and after the process have further strengthened our great party. We contested as one family, and today, we remain one family united by a common purpose.”

‎Arisekola Alao specifically acknowledged the contributions of Hon. Aderonmu Sahid Adesina ‘Symbol’, Hon. Aderogba Adebayo Taofik, mni, Hon. Ademola Alalade, Hon. Dr. Olamide Juniad, and Hon. Olaleye Olusegun ‘Radical’, describing them as honourable party brothers and sister whose aspirations and continued commitment have enriched the APC in Ibadan North.

He stressed that the conclusion of the primary election marks the beginning of a greater assignment, urging every party member to put personal interests aside and embrace the collective responsibility of securing victory for the APC in the general election.

“The time to work together is now. The task before us is bigger than any individual. We must present a united front and mobilise every ward, polling unit, and community to reclaim Ibadan North Federal Constituency for our great party. Together, we must also work tirelessly to return Oyo State to the progressive family and deliver a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Oyo State, ensuring the continuity and consolidation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, continuous engagement with stakeholders, and a campaign anchored on unity, service, and people-oriented representation, expressing confidence that with collective effort and unwavering commitment, the APC will record overwhelming victories across Ibadan North, Oyo State, and Nigeria in the 2027 general elections.