APC Elders and Youth Coalition Rally for Kwara North Governorship in 2027
The Kwara State Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress has issued a strong appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, urging him to ensure that the state's next governor in the 2027 elections emerges from the Kwara North Senatorial District. This call is based on principles of fairness, equity, and justice, as articulated by the elders during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Ilorin.
Historical Imbalance in Political Representation
Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni, Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, emphasized the need for balanced political representation among Kwara State's three senatorial districts. He highlighted that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara Central has produced three governors who served for approximately 20 years, while Kwara South produced a governor for eight years between 2011 and 2019. In contrast, Kwara North has yet to produce a governor in this democratic era.
"It is therefore in the overall interest of justice, equity, and fairness that the next governor of Kwara State should come from Kwara North Senatorial District," Ayeni stated. He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission has already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, making it imperative for political parties to begin early preparations.
Youth Coalition Throws Support Behind Speaker Danladi
Simultaneously, APC youth coalition groups in Baruten Local Government Area held a separate rally and press conference in Okuta, expressing their support for Speaker Salihu Yakubu Danladi as a preferred successor. The event drew a large crowd of party supporters and residents, with participants marching through parts of the town with campaign materials.
Mallam Abdullahi Idris, speaking at the youth rally, praised Danladi for his significant contributions to the development of Kwara North, particularly in areas such as water supply and youth empowerment. He mentioned that several communities have benefited from boreholes and employment opportunities facilitated by the lawmaker.
Appeals for Consensus and National Support
The elders commended the people of Kwara North for their loyalty and consistent support for the APC in previous elections, including 2015, 2019, and 2023. They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party's leadership at both national and state levels to support their position and ensure that the APC's governorship ticket in 2027 is zoned to Kwara North.
Ayeni advised the APC leadership in Kwara State to commence early consultations aimed at producing a consensus governorship candidate from Kwara North, to avoid unnecessary rivalry among aspirants. The caucus further called for inclusive consultations with critical stakeholders to ensure the emergence of a widely acceptable candidate through consensus.
Addressing Challenges and Security Concerns
Idris acknowledged that Kwara North still faces challenges, including poor infrastructure and underdevelopment. He urged residents and political stakeholders to support Danladi's potential governorship bid to address these issues, reiterating the need for political inclusion and balance.
On security matters, the elders praised the collaboration between President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq in tackling security challenges in Kwara State. They sympathized with victims of bandit attacks and called for sustained efforts to improve safety across the region.
The combined efforts of the APC elders and youth coalitions underscore a growing momentum within the party to address historical political imbalances and promote equitable representation in Kwara State's governance.
