The Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has intensified the 2027 political conversation by calling for the emergence of a consensus governorship candidate from Kwara North.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Ilorin, the chairman of the caucus, Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni, urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to immediately begin the process of selecting candidates to avoid internal wrangling ahead of the general elections.
The elders warned that delay in setting guidelines for candidate selection could fuel unhealthy rivalry and arm-twisting tactics among aspirants already jostling for the APC ticket.
They specifically advocated for a consensus arrangement, stressing that it would preserve party unity and ensure a smooth primary process in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC).
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
While renewing their push for power rotation, the caucus insisted that equity and fairness require that the next governor of Kwara State emerge from Kwara North Senatorial District.
According to the group, Kwara Central would have held the governorship for 20 years by 2027, while Kwara South would have governed 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 declared.
The elders also cited the district's consistent electoral support for the APC, noting that Kwara North delivered strong votes for the party in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 elections, even in contests where candidates emerged from other districts.
The group also urged party leadership to involve critical stakeholders in the selection process to ensure the emergence of a widely accepted candidate.
On security, the elders commended both the president and the Kwara State government for ongoing efforts to address insecurity, while sympathizing with victims of bandit attacks.
They reaffirmed their support for the administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda" and pledged continued loyalty to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
