Fresh details have emerged on why Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq backed Yahaya Seriki for the 2027 governorship race in Kwara State. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to counter Senator Saliu Mustapha's rising influence within the Kwara All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement obtained from the governor's aide on Tuesday afternoon, March 19, AbdulRazaq said the endorsement followed extensive consultations with party structures and leadership. He added that Seriki possesses the political capacity and grassroots support needed to lead the state.
The governor described Seriki as young, pro-people, astute, and broad-minded, noting that he has made profound investments in and built extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State. AbdulRazaq expressed confidence in Seriki's capacity, stating that his choice is appropriate for the people at this time.
However, AbdulRazaq maintained that his endorsement would not stop other aspirants from contesting in the APC governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026. He urged members and leaders to affirm the choice of Seriki for cohesion, unity, and the continuous success of the party.
Attempting to calm possible tensions within the party, AbdulRazaq said the endorsement was neither a disapproval of any eminently qualified aspirant nor a whimsical attempt to delegitimize the noble aspirations of others.
Abuja Moves Boost Seriki's APC Visibility
The endorsement comes amid growing political visibility for Seriki in national APC circles. Recently, the businessman and politician expanded his political and business influence in Abuja by opening the Kursi Group office in the Federal Capital Territory, an event attended by political associates and APC stakeholders.
Seriki has also been linked to the pro-Tinubu political support platform, the City Boy Movement, which has intensified mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections. An aide to Seriki said the endorsement reflected the confidence reposed in him by party leaders and stakeholders across Kwara State.
The aide added that Seriki remains committed to grassroots politics, youth empowerment, and sustaining the developmental strides of the AbdulRazaq administration. His recent engagements in Abuja, including activities around the Kursi Group and political mobilization structures, are part of broader efforts to strengthen economic opportunities and political participation among young Nigerians.
Insider Reveals Politics Behind Seriki's Endorsement
Meanwhile, a party chieftain told Legit.ng that Governor AbdulRazaq's endorsement of Seriki was a calculated political move aimed at weakening the growing influence of Senator Saliu Mustapha within the party. There has been a silent political rivalry between the governor and Senator Mustapha in recent months, and this endorsement is seen by many insiders as an attempt to bury Mustapha's political prominence ahead of 2027.
The source added that despite the governor's public backing of Seriki, other aspirants are not backing down from the race. Senator Saliu Mustapha is not giving up on his ambition and is banking on his relationship with Senate President Godswill Akpabio to strengthen his chances at the national level.
Other prominent aspirants, including Senator Mustapha and former Kwara APC Chairman Bashir Bolarinwa, are expected to intensify efforts to secure the party's governorship ticket ahead of the APC primary scheduled for Thursday.
Ilorin Emirate Moves to Reconcile Leaders
In a related development, the Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council initiated reconciliation efforts between Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha ahead of the 2027 elections. The council said its intervention followed an emergency meeting at the Emir of Ilorin's palace, and noted that earlier mediation efforts by religious and traditional leaders would be strengthened to restore unity between both political figures.
