Elders in Kwara State's APC Call for 2027 Leadership Transition to Northern Region

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

ILORIN — The Kwara State Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for a power shift to Kwara North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 governorship election, urging the emergence of a consensus candidate from the zone.

The caucus made the position known on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Ilorin, where it addressed journalists through its spokesperson, Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni.

The elders appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to begin early preparations for the party’s candidate selection process to avoid internal disputes as political activities gather momentum.

They warned that delays in setting clear guidelines for primaries could trigger unhealthy rivalry and tensions among aspirants seeking the APC ticket.

According to the caucus, adopting a consensus approach would help maintain party unity and ensure a smooth primary process in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reiterating their demand for power rotation, the elders argued that fairness and equity require that the next governor of the state should come from Kwara North.

They noted that by 2027, Kwara Central would have governed the state for about 20 years, while Kwara South would have held power for eight years, leaving Kwara North yet to produce a governor in the current democratic dispensation.

“It is in the interest of justice, equity and fairness that the next governor should come from Kwara North,” the caucus stated.

The group also cited the district’s consistent electoral support for the APC, pointing out that Kwara North delivered significant votes for the party in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 general elections, even when candidates emerged from other zones.

The elders further urged party leaders to carry key stakeholders along in the selection process to ensure the emergence of a broadly accepted candidate.

On security, the caucus commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Kwara State Government in addressing security challenges, while expressing sympathy with victims of recent attacks.

They also reaffirmed their support for the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and pledged continued loyalty to the APC as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.