A concerned Christian group within the All Progressives Congress has called on party stakeholders across Kwara State to prioritise competence, credibility, popularity, and leadership capacity in the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for National Assembly positions.
The group made the appeal in a statement signed by its coordinator, Emmanuel Peters, and obtained by Just Event Online TV.
According to the statement, religious and tribal sentiments should not be used as major considerations in determining who emerges as candidates for elective offices within the party.
The group stressed that Nigeria remains a secular state where leadership and political representation should be driven by merit, performance, and the ability to provide effective governance and representation for the people.
It further noted that the APC would be better positioned to retain its political strength in Kwara State if candidates are chosen based on grassroots acceptability, political experience, competence, and their ability to mobilise support across religious and ethnic divides.
The group also warned against divisive politics capable of creating unnecessary tension within the ruling party, urging members and supporters of the APC to embrace unity, inclusiveness, and fairness during the party’s primary process.
According to the statement, the APC should focus on presenting candidates capable of attracting meaningful development to their constituencies and strengthening public confidence in the party ahead of the elections.
The group further observed that since the “O to ge” political movement in Kwara State, no Christian candidate has been elected into the National Assembly from the state, a development it said should encourage broader conversations around inclusion and representation within the party.
It subsequently appealed to party leaders and stakeholders to ensure a transparent and credible primary process capable of sustaining internal cohesion and strengthening the unity of the APC ahead of the 2027 polls.