A sociopolitical organization, Democratic Network International (DNI), has disclosed that Kwara State has the highest number of governorship aspirants among all states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. The group reported that 16 individuals have expressed interest and obtained nomination forms for the state's top political office.
High Number of Aspirants Raises Concerns
According to DNI, Kwara's 16 aspirants far exceed those in other states: Abia has five, Adamawa ten, Bauchi eight, Oyo 11, and Rivers four. In a statement signed by its coordinator, Israel Babatunde, the group described the development as both a beauty of democracy and a sign of a leadership crisis in the state.
Babatunde suggested that the party leadership in Kwara should have provided guidance in an atmosphere of civility to ensure the ruling party performs well in the 2027 general elections. He warned that if an unpopular aspirant is favored over a popular one due to self-centered interests or ethnic sentiments, the party may have itself to blame if such a plan proceeds.
Call for Consensus Candidate
The statement advised the APC leadership to establish a process to ensure a popular aspirant emerges as a consensus candidate and receives full support. DNI noted that more than 40 people purchased nomination forms for the House of Representatives in Kwara. The total amount spent on nomination forms by APC candidates in the state alone is estimated at over N3 billion, a figure the group described as excessive for a state not as economically viable as others in its category.
“Proper leadership would have prevented such a scenario,” the statement read. “It would be better for the party to work towards a consensus candidate because, as it stands, the primaries could factionalize the party.”
The group also highlighted that there are 154 House of Assembly aspirants for the 24-seat State Assembly, further underscoring the unwieldy nature of the process.
Appeal to Governor Abdulrazaq and President Tinubu
While commending Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for freeing up the political space, DNI called on him to emulate Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who rallied stakeholders to present a consensus candidate for the party. This approach aligns with President Bola Tinubu's desire to prevent the usual crises that follow primary elections.
“The governor, as the leader of the party in the state, must work with the national leadership to sustain peace after the nomination,” the statement added.
DNI also urged President Tinubu to intervene in what it described as the Kwara crisis to preserve the fragile peace in the state. The group noted that the President has successfully mediated in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, and Ekiti states. “The time to act is now, for the peace of Kwara,” the group stated.
