Youth groups under the aegis of the Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressive for Communities have declared their support for the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections. The endorsement was announced on Monday during a joint press conference in Ilorin.
Call for Equity and Fairness
The spokesman for the groups, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan, stated that it is time for the Kwara North Senatorial District to produce the state's governor, emphasizing the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusive governance. According to the groups, their decision is rooted in the longstanding values of justice and balanced representation associated with the Ilorin Emirate.
“We believe that supporting the governorship aspiration of Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi is not only a political decision but a moral obligation rooted in fairness, justice and equity,” the groups said. They noted that since the return to democracy in 1999, Kwara Central and Kwara South have produced governors, while Kwara North has yet to occupy the office. “Since 1999, Kwara North has not had the opportunity to produce a governor. It is therefore only fair and just that the district be supported to occupy the office in 2027,” they added.
Strengthening Unity and Reciprocity
The youth groups described Danladi’s aspiration as a legitimate quest for inclusion and political balance, stressing that supporting a candidate from Kwara North would strengthen unity and foster a greater sense of belonging among the state’s diverse communities. They also framed the endorsement as a gesture of appreciation for the district’s consistent political support for Kwara Central over the years.
“Kwara North has consistently supported candidates from other districts. Supporting the district’s aspiration in 2027 is a gesture of reciprocity that will further strengthen the bond of unity across the state,” they said. The groups highlighted Salihu’s credentials as an engineer, former lecturer, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, noting that his experience and youthful leadership position him to advance youth empowerment and development.
Appeal for Support
“Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu possesses the competence, experience and youthful energy required to deepen youth participation, empowerment and sustainable development across Kwara State,” they stated. The groups urged APC leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Kwara State to support Danladi’s governorship aspiration and ensure that Kwara North produces the next governor in 2027. They maintained that giving all sections of the state a sense of belonging would promote social cohesion, peace, and sustainable development.
