The perceived political unity in Kwara North suffered a significant fracture on Wednesday as a coalition of APC caucus groups from the five local government areas of the district formally dissociated themselves from the recent mega rally held at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin.
Addressing Newsmen during a press conference in Ilorin on Wednesday, the Kwara North APC Caucus Groups alleged that stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, were coerced into attending the Tuesday rally through the leverage of state machinery.
The coalition, represented by Alhaji Mayaki Baba Muhammed (Edu), Elder Tsado Joseph (Patigi), Dr. Bolaji Afolabi (Moro), Dr. Mohammed Abas (Kaiama), and Luqman Sabi Musa (Baruten) stated that while the region’s aspiration for the governorship is legitimate, it must not be pursued at the expense of competence and independence.
The group raised concerns about the developmental track record of some current representatives from the region who are eyeing the governorship.
“With nearly eight years of continuous representation in some quarters, the developmental impact on our region remains a subject of legitimate concern,” the statement read.
“The ultimate objective of governance is not merely to produce a governor by origin, but to secure purposeful leadership.” they added.
The caucus expressed worry over the potential emergence of a constrained leadership that might lack the independence to make decisive contributions to the state’s growth.
Visuals from the event;
In a move that signals a major shift in the Kwara North political narrative, the groups announced their alignment with Hon. Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB)for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
They described Bolarinwa as a “unifying force” with proven integrity, citing his leadership during the historic O to Ge revolution as evidence of his administrative competence.
“We reject any narrative that portrays us as passive stakeholders. For years, we have yearned for leadership that will genuinely prioritize our development and we are confident that such a vision is embodied in Bolarinwa,” the group added.
The caucus also used the medium to reaffirm their unwavering support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that national progress requires the continuity of the current administration’s reforms.
The press conference, which was broadcast live by 9japarrotTV marks a turning point in the internal politics of the Kwara APC, as it challenges the “consensus” narrative recently promoted by other stakeholders in the northern senatorial district.