The Kwara State Government has officially announced its preferred candidate to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the 2027 governorship election. The choice is Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The endorsement follows what the governor described as extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.
AbdulRazaq: 'He is well suited for the job'
Governor AbdulRazaq stated that the decision was reached after careful engagement within the party structure, emphasizing that Seriki distinguished himself among other aspirants. 'Following extensive consultations with party structures and leadership, I am pleased to endorse Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as my preferred successor under the platform of our party, the All Progressives Congress,' he said.
The governor described Seriki as a politically experienced and well-connected figure with strong grassroots appeal across Kwara State. 'Young, pro-people, astute, and broad-minded, Amb. Yahaya Seriki has been a great political mobiliser with profound investments in and extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State,' AbdulRazaq added.
Governor calls for party unity ahead of primaries
AbdulRazaq clarified that the endorsement does not exclude other aspirants from participating in the party primaries scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026. He urged party members to rally behind Seriki in the interest of unity and continuity within the APC. 'While this does not in any way preclude all other aspirants from contesting in the primaries, I urge members and leaders to affirm the choice of Seriki as our candidate for cohesion, unity, and continuous success of the party,' he stated.
AbdulRazaq: 'No disrespect to other aspirants'
The governor stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a dismissal of other contenders within the party. He noted that all aspirants remain qualified and deserving of respect for their contributions and ambitions. 'The choice of Amb. Yahaya Seriki is neither a disapproval of any of our eminently qualified aspirants nor a whimsical attempt to delegitimise the noble aspirations of our people,' AbdulRazaq said.
Governor praises aspirants' conduct
The governor also commended other governorship hopefuls in the APC for their maturity and commitment to the party's progress. He said their conduct reflected discipline and a shared commitment to building on the achievements of his administration over the past seven years. AbdulRazaq added that only one candidate can emerge in a competitive field of more than a dozen aspirants, urging all stakeholders to support the eventual flagbearer.
