The Elders Caucus of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has unanimously endorsed the rotation of the 2027 governorship ticket to the Kwara North Senatorial District, framing the decision as a step toward equity, fairness, and inclusive governance.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, APC Elders Caucus Chairman Kunle Sulaiman, noted that Kwara Central and Kwara South had collectively held the governorship for nearly three decades, 20 years and 8 years, respectively. He stressed that zoning the next governorship ticket to Kwara North would not only balance political representation but also strengthen unity across the state.
“You may wish to recall that on Monday, November 21, 2022, at this same venue, this Caucus addressed the press and made its stand known on the issue of zoning arrangements for the APC gubernatorial candidature that the then incumbent, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq from Kwara Central, be allowed to have another shot to complete two terms of eight years, which would make Kwara Central senatorial district to have spent 20 years all together as chief executive of the state, while Kwara south senatorial district has also produced a governor for eight years.
“In the same vein, we posit that it is in the interest of fair play, equity and justice that we members of the Kwara APC Elders Caucus unanimously agreed that the next gubernatorial candidate for our great party should emerge from the Kwara North senatorial district,” Sulaiman said.
Sulaiman, who commended Governor AbdulRazaq for making them proud with his great performances across the state, also commended President Bola Tinubu for setting Nigeria on a recovery course from its dwindling economy.
Listing the governor’s developmental achievements across parts of the state, Sulaiman, however, regretted that “some of these achievements have evoked some negative comments and reactions from some members of the opposition political parties.
“It is obvious that every developmental policy, programme and project may pose initial but temporary discomfort,” he said.
He emphasised that developmental efforts of the government in Ilorin, the capital city, are in line with the Urban Renewal Project, under the New Ilorin City Master Plan.
“Therefore, we would like to advise opposition parties to display a sense of patriotism by supporting and joining hands with the laudable programmes of this administration for the progress of Kwara State,” he added.
He advised the residents and indigenes affected by the ongoing urban renewal drive of the governor to relate with government agencies, rather than be used by the opposition to foment crisis.
“For those aggrieved members of the public who might have complained about the effects of the ongoing Urban Renewal Programme, they are advised to seek redress through appropriate quarters of government rather than allowing themselves to become agents of opposition,” he said.