APC Risks Losing Kwara in 2027, Chieftains Warn
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State is teetering on the brink of a significant political upheaval as the 2027 general election approaches, with concerned party leaders sounding alarms that the ruling party could face a devastating loss if immediate corrective actions are not implemented. In a strongly worded statement released in Ilorin, a faction within the party, spearheaded by AbdulGaniyu Alani, has leveled serious accusations against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alleging that he operates the party as a personal fiefdom while systematically excluding loyal members, veteran party elders, and grassroots mobilizers.
Allegations of Suppression and Marginalization
The group contends that dissenting voices within the APC are routinely silenced through intimidation, marginalization, and political ostracization, creating a climate of fear that stifles open debate and accountability. They assert that internal democracy has been severely compromised, with critical decisions being made unilaterally and without proper consultation, undermining the party's foundational principles of collective governance.
Specific instances cited include last-minute alterations to party executive lists without due process, which the stakeholders describe as a blatant abuse of party structure and a threat to unity. These actions, they argue, erode trust and cohesion, potentially fracturing the party from within.
Governance and Security Concerns
Beyond internal party matters, the group raised alarms over alleged poor governance practices, pointing to the irregular scheduling of state executive council meetings as evidence of a lack of transparency and accountability in the administration. On the security front, they accused the government of complacency, warning that its current approach could worsen the already fragile security situation in Kwara State, further alienating voters.
E-Registration Manipulation and Candidate Imposition
The statement also highlighted concerns about the APC e-registration exercise, alleging manipulation through the KWASIP database to unfairly favor the Kwara Central Senatorial District over other zones, thereby skewing party representation. More critically, the group expressed deep unease over an alleged plot to impose Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, as the party's governorship candidate for 2027.
They cautioned that any attempt to force an unpopular candidate on the party could trigger mass defections, widespread voter apathy, and protest votes against the APC, severely damaging its electoral prospects.
Opposition Exploitation and Call for Intervention
The stakeholders noted that the opposition, believed to be regrouping under the leadership of Bukola Saraki, is closely monitoring these internal divisions and may capitalize on the ruling party's vulnerabilities to mount a strong challenge in 2027. In response, the group has issued an urgent plea to the APC national leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, emphasizing that failure to restore fairness, inclusiveness, and genuine internal democracy could result in the party losing Kwara State entirely in the upcoming election.
This warning underscores the high stakes for the APC as it navigates internal discord and external pressures in one of Nigeria's key political battlegrounds.
