The Patigi Emirate Development Union (PEDU) in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State has issued a strong warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that it will work against the party's success in the 2027 elections if it insists on fielding Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar for another term.
Opposition to Third Term
PEDU firmly opposes any move by Senator Sadiq Sulaiman Umar to seek re-election in 2027. The union insists that the Kwara North Senatorial seat should be zoned to Patigi Local Government, in line with the district's long-standing rotational arrangement. Denying Patigi the opportunity to produce the next senator, PEDU warns, could force stakeholders in the emirate to explore other political alternatives.
Addressing media correspondents on Tuesday in Ilorin, the group stated: “This position is not intended as a threat, but as a sincere appeal for justice, inclusion, and the preservation of political trust between the party and the people of Patigi Emirate.” They added that any attempt to ignore the zoning arrangement could create unnecessary political tension and weaken the spirit of cooperation that has existed in Kwara North politics for decades.
Key Demands
Reaffirming its stance, PEDU declared: “No to third term representation. Respect the established zoning tradition. Justice for Patigi LGA. Two terms are sufficient. Patigi turn is now.” The union also urged political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders in the district to sustain dialogue, fairness, and mutual respect to preserve peace and political stability.
PEDU highlighted that the zoning principle in Kwara North has promoted political harmony, fairness, and mutual trust among the constituent local government areas. The arrangement allows each area to occupy the senatorial seat for two terms or eight years before power rotates to another local government.
Appeal for Justice
According to the union, the people of Patigi Local Government Area consider it justifiable and appropriate that the 2027 Kwara North Senatorial mandate be ceded to Patigi LGA. They noted that Patigi has remained loyal to political leaders and successive administrations in the district, consistently supporting the collective interest and stability of Kwara North.
The group urged Senator Sadiq Umar to respect the zoning understanding by shelving any plan to contest again in 2027. The senator should “prioritise the unity, peace, and stability of Kwara North above personal political ambition” and withdraw from the race in the interest of fairness and regional cohesion.
Appeal to APC Leadership
PEDU also appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recognise the political contributions and loyalty of the Patigi Emirate to the ruling party over the years. The union maintained that the people of Patigi have stood firmly with the APC through different election cycles despite political challenges, adding that such commitment deserves fairness and inclusion in the party's decision on the 2027 senatorial ticket.
