Ex-APC Aspirant Warns of Costly Zoning Mistake in Kwara Ahead of 2027 Election
Haliru Dantsoho, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state, has issued a stark warning that the party risks making a costly error by zoning its ticket to Kwara North for the 2027 governorship election. The political figure, who holds the traditional title of Dan'Iya of Kaiama, emphasized that such a move could jeopardize the APC's chances of retaining power in the state.
Strategic Alignment Over Sentiment
Dantsoho disclosed that he recently stepped aside to support a candidate from Kwara Central Senatorial District, citing electoral realities and the necessity for strategic alignment. He stressed that politics fundamentally revolves around numbers rather than emotions or social media agitation. "When you need something from the majority, you appeal, persuade, and build consensus—you don't confront them," he stated, highlighting the importance of demographic balance in electoral success.
He pointed out that Kwara Central remains the largest voting bloc in the state, followed by Kwara North and Kwara South. Ignoring this demographic reality, according to Dantsoho, could prove detrimental to the APC's prospects in the upcoming election.
Past Advocacy and Current Concerns
The former aspirant noted that he had previously supported the agitation for power shift to Kwara North during his tenure as State Youth Leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2017 to 2023. He recalled that the zone produced a candidate in the 2023 election but failed to consolidate support across political divides. "If the agitation for Kwara North governorship was truly about collective interest and not personal ambition, that was the best time everyone should have united, regardless of party affiliation," he remarked.
Internal Divisions and Opposition Threat
Dantsoho expressed concerns over deep divisions among key figures from Kwara North, suggesting that a lack of unity could weaken the party's chances. He listed prominent names within the zone whose supporters remain at odds, preventing the emergence of a consensus candidate. "By now, the North should have produced a consensus candidate, but the divisions are too deep. Each camp believes the other would lead the party to defeat," he explained.
He further cautioned that the PDP could exploit this situation if the APC proceeds with zoning to Kwara North while the opposition fields a candidate from Kwara Central. "If APC zones to the North and PDP presents a Central candidate, APC will lose—let's be honest," he stated bluntly. Dantsoho also criticized confrontational tactics by some zoning advocates on social media, warning that such approaches could alienate potential supporters.
Call for Unity and Strategic Focus
Reaffirming his commitment to the APC, Dantsoho emphasized that his actions were guided by a desire to strengthen the party's electoral chances rather than personal ambition. "I am a party man, and I understand what it takes to win elections. I don't want APC to lose; I want us to remain in government," he said. He maintained that without unity, broad consultation, and strategic planning, the prospects of Kwara North producing the next governor remain uncertain.
In related developments, it was previously reported that a group of young entrepreneurs and SME leaders in Kwara state, under the aegis of Corporate Kwara, pledged to purchase the APC gubernatorial nomination form for Senator Saliu Mustapha ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group has set aside a minimum of ₦100 million for this purpose, indicating ongoing political maneuvering within the state.
