Kwara 2027: Gov AbdulRazaq declares APC governorship primary open to all

By Ahmed Abdulfatai

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has dismissed claims that he has endorsed or plans to impose a successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election, declaring that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge through a transparent and competitive primary.

The governor made the clarification on Tuesday in Ilorin during the party’s State Congress, amid speculation that he had settled for a candidate from Kwara North Senatorial District to take over from him.

“For those who intend to contest and whoever eventually emerges, it is not about anointing anyone,” he said. “We are not building a dynasty; we are building a legacy. Whoever succeeds me will build on what we have started and aim to do even better.”

His remarks come amid heightened political consultations within the ruling party and growing conversations around possible power rotation, following two consecutive terms of leadership from Kwara Central.

Although he did not directly address zoning, observers interpreted his comments as a response to ongoing succession rumours.

Governor AbdulRazaq disclosed that at least six aspirants, including a member of the State House of Assembly, have already signified interest in the governorship race. He described the emerging contest as competitive but beneficial for the party’s internal democracy.

“When I speak of healthy competition, I mean it will be keenly contested. Even within our State House of Assembly, we have multiple aspirants. It will be a robust and democratic process,” he said.

He urged all aspirants and stakeholders to prioritise unity before and after the primaries, stressing the need for inclusiveness once a candidate emerges.

“It will be healthy competition among those who aspire to succeed, and I urge whoever emerges victorious to carry others along so that we remain united as one family,” he added.

THE PRIME NEWS reports that the congress brought together party leaders and members from across the state to review activities and strategise for upcoming political engagements. The governor commended members for maintaining cohesion, noting that the peaceful conduct of the congress reflected the party’s strength.

He also claimed that opposition forces have weakened both nationally and within the state, citing defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, as well as movements to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“As you can see, the opposition has significantly diminished, particularly in Kwara State,” he said.

Despite this, the governor cautioned party members against complacency as preparations for the primaries intensify.

Highlighting his administration’s record, AbdulRazaq pointed to developments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, asserting that the state has witnessed substantial transformation over the past six years.

He also credited President Bola Tinubu for strengthening confidence in the APC at the national level, referencing improvements in key economic indicators.

Political analysts note that conversations around succession and regional balancing among Kwara Central, Kwara South, and Kwara North have influenced alignments within the state in recent months. However, no official zoning arrangement has been announced by the APC.

Reiterating his stance, the governor maintained that the party’s internal processes and the competence of aspirants will ultimately determine its flagbearer.

“We have raised the standard in Kwara State, and our successor will take it even further,” he said.