A fresh political dispute is emerging within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State after Mallam AbdulRahman Giwa, reportedly a cousin of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, surfaced as a governorship aspirant under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political Shift in Kwara
This development has intensified speculation about growing divisions within the Kwara APC as political alignments and succession calculations take shape before the end of AbdulRazaq's second term. Giwa's decision to seek the governorship ticket on an opposition platform adds a new dimension to ongoing debates over who will succeed the governor in 2027.
NDC's Expanding Influence
The emergence of Giwa comes days after the NDC attracted national attention following reported alignments involving former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Party sources revealed that the NDC recently established structures in Kwara and held a congress in the Government Reserved Area of Ilorin last week, where state executive members were elected and inaugurated.
Political observers note that Giwa's entry into the race under the NDC banner has sparked conversations across rival political camps, particularly within the APC, where succession discussions have intensified in recent months.
Posters Fuel Speculation
The controversy deepened after campaign posters promoting Giwa's gubernatorial ambition circulated widely on social media. The posters were allegedly shared by an aide to Governor AbdulRazaq, prompting speculation about whether some figures in the current administration sympathize with the emerging political movement. Several APC stakeholders have reportedly expressed concern that the development could widen existing cracks within the party ahead of the contest to choose a successor.
Senator Dambu Joins NDC
In a related development, Senator Mohammed Hassan (Dambu), a former senator for Yobe State, resigned from the APC and formally joined the NDC on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Seriake Dickson, the NDC founder, announced the move on his X and Facebook pages, stating that Dambu and other political leaders from Yobe State had joined the party.
Political activities are intensifying in Ilorin as parties begin consultations and grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC's recent activities, including the congress, signal a growing influence in Kwara's political landscape.
