The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council has firmly distanced the Ilorin Emirate from any purported endorsement of Abdulfatah Yahaya Seriki-Gambari as the preferred governorship candidate of Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Council's Statement on Alleged Endorsement
In a statement issued on Tuesday after extensive consultations with political leaders, elders, technocrats, professionals, and other critical stakeholders across the Emirate, the council described the alleged endorsement as a personal political decision of the Governor that does not reflect the collective position of the Ilorin Emirate.
The statement, signed by the council’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, and Secretary, Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd), acknowledged that Governor AbdulRazaq holds the constitutional right to support any aspirant of his choice. However, it emphasized that such a decision should not be misconstrued as having the backing of the Emirate.
Concerns Over Unilateral Decision-Making
According to the council, the alleged endorsement was neither a product of broad consultation nor a reflection of the political, cultural, and social realities of Kwara State. The body expressed deep concern over what it described as the unilateral manner in which the decision was allegedly taken, without adequate engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, elders, and other respected voices within the state.
“The Ilorin Emirate is historically rooted in consultation, mutual respect, inclusion, moderation, and collective responsibility,” the statement read. “It is therefore unacceptable for far-reaching political decisions to be taken in isolation or in a manner that appears dismissive of the established traditions and values of the people.”
Clarification on Seriki-Gambari's Ambition
The council clarified that its intervention should not be interpreted as opposition to the ambition of Seriki-Gambari, noting that he remains constitutionally qualified and entitled to aspire to any political office of his choice. However, it maintained that the process surrounding his alleged emergence as a preferred candidate was objectionable and inconsistent with the democratic culture and consensus-driven political traditions of the Ilorin Emirate.
Call for Democratic Principles
The stakeholders further warned against any attempt to impose candidates on the people through coercion, intimidation, manipulation, or abuse of state influence. They subsequently urged traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth and women groups, civil society organisations, and political actors across the state to defend democratic principles and ensure that the 2027 elections remain free, fair, transparent, and credible.
The council added that only a transparent and inclusive political process can guarantee lasting peace, unity, and stability in Kwara State.
