The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council (IEPAC), a body of elders and stakeholders in Kwara Central Senatorial District, has announced plans to investigate and support candidates and political platforms that will ensure the district secures its rightful place in the state's political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
IEPAC Endorses Tinubu and Mustapha
In a statement read at a press conference by its National Coordinator, Dr. Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, alongside Secretary Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (rtd) in Ilorin, the council endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term and Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, as its preferred governorship candidate for 2027.
The council said the decision followed careful deliberation and assessment of aspirants vying for key political offices. It cited President Tinubu's performance over the past three years, particularly support extended to Kwara Central, as reason for his endorsement.
Regarding the governorship race, IEPAC described Senator Mustapha as a candidate with wide acceptability, maturity, experience, and exposure, adding that he has the capacity to win the election and govern the state justly, fairly, and competently.
Council Stresses Inclusivity
The council emphasized that its endorsement should not be seen as an attempt to sideline other aspirants. It urged political actors across the state, especially major parties, to align with its position for unity, stability, and progress. IEPAC said it will continue to monitor political developments and may endorse other aspirants capable of sustaining the achievements of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Opposition to Mustapha's Candidacy
However, a group called the Kwara Citizens Movement for Ethical Politics and Good Governance (KCMEPGG) has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency against fielding Senator Mustapha as the preferred governorship candidate in 2027. In a statement, the group advised the APC not to commit political suicide, stating that the people of Kwara deserve better.
KCMEPGG emerged barely 24 hours after IEPAC endorsed Mustapha. The group said it was compelled to raise an alarm over what it called dangerous political scheming by Senator Mustapha and his collaborators to manipulate the 2027 governorship process.
Endorsements for Yahaya Seriki
Meanwhile, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki has received endorsements across the three senatorial districts. The Kwara North Women Advancement Group (KNWAG) declared support for him, citing his track record as a successful entrepreneur and business leader. The group's endorsement was conveyed in a statement jointly signed by Zonal Coordinator Hajarat Jummai Usman and Kaiama Local Government Coordinator Hajia Ramat Husaini.
The Kwara Central Advancement Stakeholders Forum, comprising APC members from Asa, Ilorin West, Ilorin East, and Ilorin South local governments, also endorsed Seriki after assessing all aspirants. The forum's statement, signed by Secretary Akanbi Lamidi, emphasized the need for continuity in governance.
The Ilorin Emirate Youth Assembly (IEYA) similarly endorsed Seriki in a statement signed by Coordinator Ayuba Olomogbona and Secretary Lateef Oloyin. In Kwara South, stakeholders expressed support for Seriki, describing him as a capable and dependable leader with strong grassroots connections, confident that his emergence would sustain the current administration's developmental strides.
