Ahead of Monday’s highly anticipated All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial primary elections, stakeholders and party faithful from across the seven Local Government Areas of Kwara South have unanimously rejected any plans to impose a candidate on the district.
The party members, who gathered in their large numbers for a solidarity rally at the Iyeru Primary School in Offa on Sunday, openly protested against the return of the incumbent, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, while endorsing the former Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hajia Muheebah Adenike Dankaka, OON.
Our reporter noted that the atmosphere at the gathering was highly charged as protesters brandished banners and placards with inscriptions such as “Lola Ashiru Must Go,” “We Don’t Want Imposition Candidates,” and “Enough is Enough: Say No to Lola Ashiru.”
Speaking at the event, a prominent APC stakeholder, Alhaja Wosila Alado appealed to the leadership of the party to allow a transparent and democratic process to take place without internal interference.
“Imposing a candidate will do more harm than good to the party’s fortunes,” Alhaja Alado warned.
“We are urging the party leadership to let the true will of the people prevail in tomorrow’s contest.” She added.
The stakeholders argued that Kwara South requires a fresh approach to legislative governance in the Red Chamber. They described Hajia Dankaka as a proven administrator whose antecedents and contributions to the growth of the progressive fold make her uniquely qualified to secure the ticket.
Representing the youth coalition at the briefing, Comrade Abdul noted that attempting to force an unpopular choice on the delegates would demoralise party loyalists and weaken the party’s foundation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We urge our leaders to ensure a peaceful contest and critically evaluate the track records of all aspirants,” Comrade Abdul said.
“With a free and fair primary, we have no doubt that Hajia Dankaka’s widespread goodwill will give her a decisive victory.” He added.
The coalition conclusively called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the national leadership of the APC to establish a level playing field for Monday’s primary exercise.
9japarrot reports that the unfolding political drama in Kwara South reinforces the deep contestations within the Kwara APC, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown as delegates prepare to elect their senatorial flagbearer.