Elders and stakeholders in the Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) have condemned the selection of Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi-Salihu as the party's 2027 gubernatorial candidate, describing him as lacking the capability, ability, and charisma to fly the APC flag. They stated that the candidate does not represent the strongest political option available to win the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Warning of Potential Loss
The elders warned that unless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the party intervene in the crisis stemming from the Speaker's candidature, the APC may lose Kwara State to the opposition.
Addressing newsmen in Ilorin on Monday on the "state of Kwara APC," the elders, led by Chief James Bamisaiye Ayenioye, asserted that the Speaker lacks political goodwill and that the process that produced him is faulty and lacks credibility.
Allegations of a Flawed Primary
They disclosed that the manner in which Danladi was allegedly foisted on the party is condemnable and unacceptable, warning that the institution is being led toward avoidable danger. According to them, the purported governorship primaries scheduled for May 21, 2026, never took place.
"The circumstances surrounding the result of the governorship primary election that was purportedly held in Kwara State have generated concerns among members and stakeholders across the state," they said. "The nonexistent primary election left much to be desired because one of the gubernatorial aspirants, Rt. Hon. Engr. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, who had earlier secured a seat to return to the State Assembly, was surprisingly announced as the winner of an election that never took place."
Governor's Role Questioned
The elders expressed amazement and concern that the Governor, who is the leader of the APC in Kwara State, upheld the purported victory of Hon. Danladi and presented him to the National Leadership as the gubernatorial candidate. They alleged that none of the party's critical stakeholders, including aspirants, party elders, and important political officeholders, were sufficiently consulted or carried along in decisions that would determine the future of the APC in the state.
Candidate's Weaknesses Highlighted
"He is neither the most popular nor the most broadly acceptable option available to the APC today. We do not believe he possesses the level of statewide appeal required to unite the party, inspire confidence among undecided voters, and effectively confront a rapidly strengthening opposition," they stated.
"More importantly, we are not persuaded that he is the strongest candidate available in the party to provide the kind of leadership required to address the numerous developmental, economic, and security challenges confronting Kwara State at this period."
Appeal to National Leadership
As patriotic elders, they said they have watched subsequent developments carefully, listened to party members, engaged stakeholders across the three senatorial districts, observed public reactions, and assessed the changing political environment. After these consultations, they arrived at a conclusion that is neither convenient nor pleasant.
Consequently, they appealed to President Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the party's National Working Committee to take a second look at the situation in Kwara State. "We urge them to engage more broadly with the critical stakeholders across the state and to consider the long-term health, stability, and sustainability of the APC above all other considerations. The future of the APC in Kwara State is too important to be sacrificed for the ambitions of a few individuals," they feared.
