Kwara 2027: Group Urges APC to Nominate Youth for Governor’s Seat

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A group of young professionals operating under Kwara Youth Advocate (KYA) in Kwara State called on the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to prioritize youthful candidacy, competence, and grassroots connections when selecting the party’s flag‑bearer for the 2027 governorship election.

Comrade Muhammad Abdulwaris Adangba, the convener of the group, made the appeal in Ilorin while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the upcoming APC primaries scheduled for May 23.

Adangba urged greater participation and inclusivity of young people in the state’s political affairs, challenging the entrenched old order.

He emphasized that Nigerian youths must become active participants in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

Adangba further stated that the APC’s governorship ticket in Kwara should be open to youth aspirants.

The group highlighted Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, describing him as “a successful aviator, aircraft maintenance engineer, philanthropist, and the youngest APC governorship aspirant in Kwara State.”

Adangba noted that the young aviator has distinguished himself among the state’s leading governorship aspirants.

He praised Mahmoud’s contributions to education, youth empowerment, and community development, as well as his social welfare initiatives through the CAM Foundation, a non‑profit organisation established to support individuals, uplift vulnerable communities, and inspire the next generation of Kwara youth.

“When we discuss youth involvement in politics and governance in Kwara State, we must commend our amiable governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for giving young people and women the opportunity to serve in his government,” Adangba said. “He is not only providing a platform for young people to serve, but he is also mentoring the youth for a brighter future.” He added, “That is why we are advocating for a youthful candidacy, competence, exposure, and grassroots connection to be considered in the choice of the APC governorship candidate in Kwara State.”

Adangba further explained that the Captain Ahmad Mahmoud Foundation has awarded “hundreds of scholarships and financial assistance to both secondary school and tertiary institution students across the sixteen (16) local government areas of Kwara State.”

He added that the foundation also distributes teaching and learning materials to schools for special needs across the state, part of its effort to ensure “every child counts and enhance seamless classroom learning for our younger generation.”

Beyond education and youth empowerment programmes, Adangba said the CAM Foundation has organised several skill‑acquisition and empowerment training programmes in Kwara Central, providing start‑up support for small businesses and creating opportunities for unemployed youths with practical skills.

He also highlighted the foundation’s community development and social welfare initiatives, which deliver “medical assistance and financial aid for widows, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups across the three districts of Kwara State.”

Adangba praised Captain Ahmad Mahmoud for using his professional offices to support his home state when it mattered most, noting that as director of operations at United Airlines, the aviator facilitated the first‑ever commencement of United Airlines’ operations in Kwara State.

He expressed optimism that Captain Ahmad Mahmoud would bring the same spirit of service to the political arena if given the opportunity to represent the APC as the governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Adangba called on party leaders and members across the sixteen local government areas to support Captain Ahmad’s candidacy at the highly anticipated APC primaries.