A coalition of young stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has appealed to the party leadership to award the governorship ticket to Kwara North. The group, known as the Kwara State All Progressive Young Stakeholders (KSAPYS), argued that the zone has demonstrated consistent electoral strength and voting loyalty in the state.
Press Conference in Ilorin
The group made the call on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ state secretariat in Ilorin during a press conference. They based their position on an analysis of voting patterns from the 2015, 2019, and 2023 presidential elections.
According to the stakeholders, “Kwara North has, over the years, remained the most dependable base for the APC, delivering stable and unified bloc votes that have significantly contributed to the party’s victories in the state.” They argued that while Kwara Central and Kwara South are critical to the party’s overall performance, their voting patterns are inconsistent and less predictable, thereby underscoring the strategic importance of Kwara North in future electoral calculations.
Electoral Realities
The group further contended that a portion of votes recorded in Kwara Central often reflects external influences rather than a cohesive voting bloc. They insisted that such trends reinforce the need for a deliberate political alignment ahead of the next governorship race. Consequently, the KSAPYS maintained that the party’s chances of retaining power in 2027 would be better secured by presenting a candidate from Kwara North.
“This position is not based on sentiment but on verifiable electoral realities,” the group stated, adding that the zone has continued to serve as the backbone of the APC in Kwara State.
Support for President Tinubu
The stakeholders also pledged total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that members would mobilise voters across the state to ensure victory for the party in the presidential poll. However, they warned that “fielding a governorship candidate from outside Kwara North could trigger internal disaffection and weaken the party’s existing support base, with possible electoral consequences.
“There is a risk of fragmenting the party’s structure and losing the dependable bloc votes that have sustained past victories,” the group cautioned.
Call for Transparency
KSAPYS also expressed concern over internal party processes, cautioning against a repeat of controversies that trailed the APC governorship primary in Kogi State in 2023. They called for transparency and adherence to democratic principles. The group urged the APC leadership in the state to adopt an inclusive and consultative process that would strengthen unity, deepen internal cohesion, and ensure that emerging decisions reflect both fairness and electoral strategy.
