2027: APC Members Explain Why Kwara South Lost the Governorship Ticket, Saying “He’s Selfish”

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State say that Kwara South lost the chance to field the next state governor because of the personal ambitions of former APC chairman Bashiru Omolaja Bolarinwa.

Anonymous APC members claim that Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq was told by the Presidential Villa to present two credible, electable candidates from Kwara South who could win the 2027 governorship election.

They further allege that retired Justice Isa Ayo Salami, described as a long‑time ally of President Bola Tinubu, headed an Afenifere delegation that recommended Bolarinwa as the preferred candidate from the district.

Governor AbdulRazaq reportedly hesitated to back the suggestion, citing concerns over Bolarinwa’s popularity in Kwara South and his strained ties with parts of the party structure.

During talks with President Tinubu, stakeholders from Kwara South were reportedly given another chance to propose an alternative consensus candidate from the district.

“However, Justice Ayo Salami and Bolarinwa insisted that if Bolarinwa was not chosen, no other aspirant from Kwara South should be considered. This development is a major setback for our district,” a party chieftain from Kwara South, who wished to remain unnamed, said.

“Some leaders sacrificed the region’s collective interest despite the presence of several accomplished professionals, technocrats, businessmen, and academics within the APC fold,” the chieftain added.

The report notes that after the disagreement, Governor AbdulRazaq was allowed to proceed with plans to support a successor from Kwara North, a move party leaders described as “equity and fairness.” Aspirants and party members were urged to align with the party’s position.

Politics in Kwara South has been described as marked by betrayal, divide‑and‑rule tactics, and selfish interests, which have continued to deny the region development and leadership opportunities.

DAILY POST reports that the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saliu Danladi, emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Kwara State at the party’s primary.

The results were announced by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, chairman of the APC governorship primary election supervisory committee.

Only three aspirants—Speaker Saliu Danladi, Professor Wale Sulaiman, and Captain Mahmud—were present at the venue during the official declaration of the results.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq had publicly declared support for Ambassador Yahya‑Seriki two days before the exercise, a move widely interpreted as an endorsement of his candidacy.

The primary election, initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to Friday following internal consultations and growing tension among party stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Yahya‑Seriki and 11 other aspirants were absent during the announcement of the final results, further fueling speculation of dissatisfaction among some contenders over the conduct and outcome of the exercise.