Kwara North Monarchs and Leaders Rally Behind Tinubu's Re-election Bid
In a significant political development, monarchs, political leaders, and key stakeholders from the Kwara North Senatorial District have publicly declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's campaign for a second term in office. The endorsement was made during a large-scale rally held at the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, where attendees also voiced a strong appeal for the district to produce the next governor of Kwara State, highlighting what they termed a prolonged period of marginalisation in the state's leadership.
Historical Marginalisation and Calls for Fairness
The stakeholders pointed out that since Kwara State was established in 1967, Kwara North has only governed the state for a mere 22 months under former Governor Shaba Lafiagi. They argued that this underrepresentation persists despite the district's consistent contributions to electoral successes and political stability. The speakers unanimously praised President Tinubu's performance, asserting that he merits re-election, and urged him to assist Kwara North in achieving its "lofty" ambition of securing the governorship.
Emir of Lafiagi Advocates for Power Shift
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, described the push for a power shift as a reflection of the people's long-standing aspirations. He emphasised that Kwara North has remained on the sidelines of top leadership roles, even though it has demonstrated unwavering loyalty and unity during elections, which has been crucial for the ruling party's victories. Kawu called for fairness and inclusiveness, appealing to the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to influence the state government and other stakeholders to back a governor from Kwara North.
He further urged stakeholders in Kwara Central and Kwara South to cede the governorship seat to the North, stating that such a move would foster unity and uphold Kwara's reputation as the "State of Harmony." Kawu added that extensive consultations have been conducted across the state to build support for this initiative.
Political Leaders Unite Behind Governorship Aspiration
Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and two-time minister, Hon. Issa Bio Ibrahim, addressed the gathering on behalf of district leaders and stakeholders. He announced that Kwara North has resolved to support any of its sons who emerges as the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aiming to occupy the state's top political office for the first time since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999. Ibrahim noted that all gubernatorial aspirants from the district have agreed to collaborate towards this goal and appealed to the people of Kwara Central and Kwara South to support their ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Statistical Evidence of Electoral Influence
In his remarks, former state legislator and Commissioner for Information, Hon. AbdulMumin Katibi, presented statistical data revealing that Kwara North consistently provides the second-largest voting bloc in the state, after Kwara Central. He argued that this data underscores the district's significant role in the election of past governors from other zones and maintained that the time has come for other districts to reciprocate this support by backing Kwara North to produce the next governor.
The rally concluded with a reaffirmation of support for President Tinubu's re-election and a collective call for equitable political representation in Kwara State, marking a pivotal moment in the region's political landscape.
