A prominent Islamic cleric in Kwara State, Sheikh Ahmad Labeeb Agbaji, has issued a stern warning to major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), concerning the 2027 governorship election. The cleric cautioned that any party which zones its governorship ticket outside Ilorin, the state capital in Kwara Central, risks a significant electoral defeat.
Cleric's Warning: Competence Over Zoning
Sheikh Agbaji delivered his warning on Friday, December 19, 2025, during the 63rd birthday lecture of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. He directly addressed the escalating debates around zoning the state's top political office ahead of the 2027 polls.
"There is something I am hearing around. I heard that political parties are planning to zone their gubernatorial ticket outside the north or the south. You should tell me which party ever did that and succeeded?" the cleric questioned the audience.
He vigorously defended Ilorin's central role, arguing that it is the developmental hub from which all regions benefit. "There is nothing in Ilorin, the state capital, that both the north and the south regions are not benefiting from," Sheikh Agbaji stated. He emphasized that infrastructure like roads and water in the capital serve the entire state.
His core advice was for parties to prioritize a competent candidate over regional zoning. "Let Ilorin people continue to be the governor of the state... Put the right candidate out and let people vote for him, and don't zone," he urged, recalling past candidates like Shaba Lafiagi and Fatai Ahmed. He concluded with a direct caution: "I am warning the party not to do what will make them fail during the 2027 election."
Kwara North Monarchs Demand Power Shift, Cite Insecurity
In stark contrast to the cleric's position, a strong and united front of traditional rulers from Kwara North is advocating for a historic power shift to their region. They cite severe underdevelopment and persistent insecurity as key justifications.
The Emir of Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area, HRH Amb (Dr) Alhaji Umar Sariki Usman, Sabikpassi II, in an exclusive interview, argued that a governor from the North would enhance unity and tackle the region's unique challenges. "If the next governor comes from the northern region, it will be great for us and for all Kwarans. I believe the issues of insecurity will be properly dealt with," the monarch said.
He highlighted the acute lack of infrastructure, pointing out that the entire Kwara North region lacks a functioning JAMB CBT centre. He lamented that due to poor road networks within Nigeria, it is often safer and easier for youths to attend universities in the Benin Republic.
This push was formalized during a significant meeting of Kwara North traditional rulers on November 26, 2025, at the Emir’s Palace in Patigi. The theme was "Kwara North Unity, Security and Way Forward on 2027 Project."
Historic Alliance: South Backs North's 2027 Ambition
The movement gained monumental traction when traditional rulers from Kwara South joined the discussions. A historic meeting was held at the Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union Hall, where rulers from both zones deliberated on insecurity and the governorship aspiration.
At this gathering, traditional rulers from Kwara South reportedly pledged their support for a power shift to Kwara North in 2027. The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, commended the Northern rulers for seeking dialogue.
The Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, strongly endorsed the agenda. "In Offa town, we believe in equity and fairness. What Kwara North is asking for is not too much; it is their right... I have spent 15 years on the throne, and I have not witnessed a governor from Kwara North," he declared.
He confirmed the collective resolution: "We, the traditional rulers in Kwara South and Kwara North, have agreed to support any candidate from Kwara North."
The Etsu Patigi, Dr. Umar Bologi, expressed gratitude for the support, stressing that Kwara North had supported other zones in the past and that it was now their turn. The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammad Kudu Kawu, described the unity as "historical" and unprecedented.
Other prominent monarchs present included the Elese of Igbaja, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, the Alofa of Ilofa, the Emir of Ilesha Baruba, and the Emir of Kaiama, among others.
Religion and Competence in the Succession Debate
Adding another dimension to the pre-2027 discussions, former Kwara PDP Chairman Chief Iyiola Oyedepo stated that a Christian candidate is electable in the state. Speaking in Ilorin on November 13, 2025, Oyedepo dismissed claims that religion should be a barrier, warning that sectarian politics could inflame tensions.
He urged the citizens to prioritize competence and fairness over religious identity when choosing a successor to Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, emphasizing that such division would harm state unity.
As the 2027 election draws closer, the debate in Kwara State is clearly defined: a call for continuity from Ilorin versus a powerful, cross-regional demand for equity and a historic first governorship for Kwara North.
