Kwara APC leaders call for unity and respect for diversity as governorship aspirants prepare for the 2027 elections

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have urged governorship aspirants to prioritise unity and respect for diversity as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.

Also read: Kwara Bandits Demand N500m for Five Abducted Workers

In a statement, APC chieftain Saddiq Buhari said the next governor must demonstrate the competence and leadership skills required to manage a multi-ethnic state.

He emphasised that no aspirant has the authority to marginalise any part of Kwara and described Kwara North as politically significant and constitutionally equal.

“Calling Kwara North incapable or politically exhausted is not analysis; it is anti-democratic,” Buhari said.

“It reflects a dangerous belief that political worth is conferred by elite consensus rather than citizenship. Kwara North is not a footnote. Its citizens’ rights to participate in leadership do not depend on approval from any politician or organisation.”

Buhari praised the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, highlighting his competence and record.

“Zoning is the icing on the cake of Speaker Danladi’s blazing personal and political profile, not the foundation of his ambition. He is in his sixth year as Assembly Speaker with no record of labour crises,” he said.

The APC chieftain warned that disparaging Kwara North would be interpreted as fear masquerading as intellect.

“Kwara North does not need permission to matter. It does not need to earn dignity through silence, and it will not accept being insulted to protect the credibility of anyone,” Buhari said.

He called on aspirants opposed to the region to respect every area equally and address issues fairly.

Also read: Kwara governor denies sponsoring bandits, backs security summit

“Until then, every attempt to speak down on Kwara North will be read correctly, not as confidence, but as fear masquerading as intellect,” he added.