Fresh concerns have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State following allegations of political marginalisation of Christians and warnings over growing tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Allegations of Christian Marginalisation
A group under the aegis of Concerned Youth of Ifelodun in Kwara South accused the leadership of the ruling APC in the state of allegedly excluding Christians from political participation. In a statement signed by its spokesman, Busayo Adelowo, the group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to address what it described as political imbalance in the interest of fairness and equity.
The group appealed to the APC leadership at both the national and state levels to ensure inclusiveness and fairness in the distribution of political offices, particularly in Kwara South, ahead of the next election cycle. According to the statement, Christians in the state, especially in Kwara South, have faced persistent political marginalisation since the return to democratic rule in 1999, alleging that elective and appointive positions have largely favoured Muslim politicians.
The group claimed that the three senators representing the state and the six members of the House of Representatives from Kwara are all Muslims. It also alleged that no Christian lawmaker had emerged from the Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Federal Constituency since 1999. The group further alleged imbalance in appointments within the state government, maintaining that most strategic offices are occupied by Muslims. It noted that Governor AbdulRazaq is a Muslim and claimed that most commissioners, local government chairmen, heads of boards, parastatals and other key public institutions in the state are also Muslims.
According to the statement, the development has continued to generate concerns among Christians in the state, adding that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had on several occasions raised concerns over alleged lopsided political appointments. The group urged the APC leadership to ensure fairness during the party’s forthcoming primary elections, especially in the selection of candidates for the House of Representatives seat in Kwara South. It also alleged that some interests within the party were already backing a preferred Muslim aspirant for the constituency and warned against sidelining Christian aspirants. The group argued that equitable representation would promote unity within the party and strengthen the principles of justice, fairness and inclusiveness which the APC claims to uphold.
Responding, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the party had taken note of the allegations and would address them appropriately. Yilwatda, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, said issues relating to religion remained sensitive and assured that all complaints brought before the party would be critically examined.
Rising Number of Aspirants Sparks Warning
Meanwhile, a sociopolitical organisation, Democratic Network International (DNI), disclosed that Kwara currently has the highest number of governorship aspirants among APC-controlled states ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement signed by its coordinator, Israel Babatunde, the group said the state had recorded 16 governorship aspirants so far. The organisation compared the figure with other states, claiming that Adamawa has 10, Bauchi eight, Oyo 11 and Rivers four.
According to the group, while the growing number of aspirants reflects democratic participation, it also points to an emerging leadership crisis within the APC in Kwara State. The group said the party leadership ought to provide direction in an atmosphere of civility to ensure stability ahead of the elections.
“In a situation where an unpopular aspirant is preferred over a popular one because of self-centred interest or ethnic sentiments, the party may have itself to blame if such a plan is allowed to sail through,” the statement said. DNI also claimed that more than 40 people had obtained nomination forms for House of Representatives seats in the state, while 154 aspirants were reportedly seeking tickets for the 24 seats in the Kwara State House of Assembly.
The group warned that the large number of aspirants could factionalise the party during the primaries if not properly managed. It advised the APC leadership to adopt a consensus arrangement to reduce internal tensions and preserve party unity. The organisation also urged Governor AbdulRazaq to work with the national leadership of the APC to sustain peace in the state after the nomination process. It further appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the situation to prevent political instability within the party in Kwara State ahead of 2027.
